Claudine Mae Kratz

Claudine Mae Kratz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 87. In her final moments she was surrounded by her four children. She was born on September 23, 1938, in Sterling Colorado and moved to Fort Worth Texas in 1973.

Claudine was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 64 years, Daniel Kratz. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and family. She is survived by her four children — Denise Richardson and husband Richard, Debbie Conaway, Daniel Kratz Jr. and wife Carissa, Dawn Ramirez and husband Casimiro — as well as twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy.

In her youth, Claudine enjoyed her bowling league with her sisters and treasured summers spent at Jackson Lake with family. She was talented in singing, sewing and after moving to Texas, she enjoyed creating many ceramic treasures with GK Ceramics. For fourteen years, she worked with FWISD at the Regional School for the Deaf, where she was admired for her compassion and dedication to students.

Claudine led a vibrant and accomplished life. She became active in the Sokol gymnastics community, served as a chaperone for the Miss Texas Pageant for eight years, and was an active member and officer of the Fort Worth Museum. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a flight attendant for Champion Airlines at the age of 60, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

As member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1957, Claudine held every office during her decades of service and cherished the friendships she built there. She also enjoyed her years with the Red Hat Society, where she shared laughter and adventures with her dear friends.

Claudine loved to travel, play cards with her dear friends known as the “Fearsome Foursome,” and enjoyed any adventure that came her way. She was a true people person who never met a stranger. Most of all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially during shared dinners and celebrations that brought everyone together - often delighting in beating them at Kings in the Corner. Her warmth, humor, and zest for life will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A memorial service celebrating Claudine’s life will be held Monday, November 3rd at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church – 5819 W Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX. Visitation 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Funeral service 11:00 AM.

Her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.