September 21, 1941 to March 7, 2024

Vivian "Janie" Jane Kraft Ellis passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 21, 1941, to Erhardt and Nelda Kraft of New Braunfels, Texas. Janie, an only child, grew up and resided in New Braunfels, Texas all her life except for her later years.

Loving and devoted mother, grandmother "Oma", and great-grandmother. Janie is survived by her son Alton Ellis and his wife Pam Ellis, her daughter Julie Ellis Smiley and her husband John Smiley, her grandson Jonathan Smiley and his wife Laurel Smiley and her great grandson Milo Smiley.

Janie attended New Braunfels High School where she was a member of the band and a majorette. In 1958 she was Duchess in the Queen of Hearts Court representing her school and community on floats in parades in New Braunfels and San Antonio. She graduated in 1959 and went on to attend business school.

While attending New Braunfels High she met Gordon Ellis. They married on September 24, 1960, at First Protestant Church in New Braunfels, Texas where they raised their children and resided all their lives.

Janie was an Avon sales representative for a number of years and then went on to be a store manager for Corning-Revere Factory Stores where she worked over 10 years. After retiring she worked part-time at the New Braunfels Smokehouse Restaurant, was a volunteer for the New Braunfels Conservation Society and enjoyed square dancing and travel.

Our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother will be missed but never forgotten. Her memory, legacy and German heritage will live on through her family and friends.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, April 19th at 10am, at First Protestant Church in New Braunfels, Texas.

lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to:
New Braunfels Conservation Society - www.newbraunfelsconservation.org < http://www.newbraunfelsconservation.org>Sophienburg Museum & Archives -
www.sophienburg.com < http://www.sophienburg.com >