Mary Gertrude Zenger Kreft

She was born on March 27th, 1928 the middle of 3 children to Godfrey and Gertrude (Harris) Zenger in Brooks, Oregon. She grew uo on her parents onion farm in Labish Center, where her father would always permit her to plant flowers among the vegetables, inspiring a passion for flowers. She attended Lake Labish High School, and then attended Marylhurst College in Portland, where she studied music and general studies. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband, Ernest Kreft (who was paralyzed by polio in 1954). After his passing, she worked for the City of Salem on urban renewal grants. With her daughter Bernadette, she operated a floral business, Kreft Kreations, from her home specializing in wedding and funeral floral designs.

Mary had a passion for gardening, and her backyard, blooming with color, was her sanctuary. She also enjoyed travel, having visited Poland on 2 occasions to visit 2 exchange students she had once hosted in her home. She collected antiques, many of them heirlooms passed down for generations in her family. She was a member of the Oregon Architectural Barriers Council, and the church choir at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Mary is survived by her children, Martin Kreft of Yulee, FL, Thomas Kreft of Bend, OR and Jeannette Kreft-Logsdon of Hood River, OR.

A viewing was held on Thursday, March 9 at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors. Mass were held on Friday, March 10 at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church.

Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors were entrusted with arrangements