Biography: FRANCES JANE ('Miss Jane') KRUTZ, 86 years old, died Sunday, March 25th, 2012. Born an Arkansas country girl, she became known as: 'The Queen Mother of Arkansas,' a title bestowed in honor of her long-time dedication to statewide charities and service organizations through her volunteer talents and toil. Always recognized for her regal bearing, welcoming demeanor and marinated-in-honey Southern accent, Miss Jane was a loving and beloved Christian. Coast to coast, when she gave speeches, her closing line was a sincerely meant message: "...Don't let one of you miss a home in Heaven." She was born October, 1st, 1925 in Conway, Arkansas, the only child of car dealer Victor Gray and his wife, Fannie (Diffee) Gray. The fair-haired toddler grew into a beauty well noted for her winning-ways. As a teenager, Miss Jane started making her mark when she became the President of the International Don Ameche Fan Club, her life-long favorite Hollywood talent! Soon she met and was smitten with a Camp Robinson Army soldier, TED KRUTZ, (who she adoringly described as: 'The Prettiest Man In The World.') Because WWII was looming, the 16 year old was the first Little Rock student to receive 'special permission' to marry and continue her education. The couple wed on March 14, 1943 (and celebrated their 64th Anniversary, prior to Ted's death on June 10th, 2007.) They were parents to: SON ? Ted (Teddy) Krutz, Jr. (wife - Debbie); DAUGHTER - Jane (Little Janie) Krutz Lay (husband George); DAUGHTER ? the late-Vicki Krutz Kreulen (husband - Pat). Miss Jane was the Grandmother of seven and Great-Grandmother to six. Throughout her existence, Miss Jane's every task was 'a goal to win.' Starting with Girl Scout Cookies and American Legion Poppies, she sold more than any other local child; During school years, she volunteered for jobs big and small. When there was a worthy cause, Miss Jane would become a champion for the downtrodden, ill, homeless and the hungry. She was not seeking headlines or society's recognition or volunteering just to mask a wasted early life - she was, (simply phrased,) the essence of compassion and decades of 'free work' prove this to be true! As a Nazarene church member, Miss Jane held every post from Sunday School Teacher to serving on her Church Board; Visitors recall a woman, cloaked in darkness, standing at the edge of the congregation's driveway. There, in the frosty winds and pelting sleet, Miss Jane would warmly welcome carloads driving through their Annual Live-Christmas Nativity. With a gracious smile, Miss Jane would pass religious literature through a vehicle window and joyously invite folks to: 'Please, consider returning to attend our church services...' Miss Jane was the first Mother of a first grader to be elected a Little Rock PTA President at the beginning of her child's education! She participated in the first 'Mother's March Against Polio;' directed the first 'Drive Against Cerebral Palsy;' Miss Jane was so dedicated to the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN), and how it could foster improvements in the lives and homes of Arkansans, the TV station's main studio was named for her. After formally addressing a Washington, D.C. Congressional Sub-Committee, urging them to preserve PBS funding, Miss Jane received a rare standing ovation which was thrilling for (as she called herself), 'Just a Little Girl from Little Rock.' Miss Jane got more members to join the 'Chamber of Commerce' in a single year, than anyone in the nation - a still unbroken record. Their 'Membership Award' has been titled: 'The Jane Krutz Cup.' Over a quarter-of-a-century she served on the 'Salvation Army Advisory Board'. She didn't just bask in the limelight at fancy parties, she stood outside her neighborhood grocery ringing a bell, seeking to fill her kettle with coins so The Salvation Army could help any lost soul with a blanket or soap or soup and yes, the chance for their salvation. Miss Jane co-directed the 'Arkansas Junior Miss Program,' with an unmatched record of producing three National Winners! She received the 'Community Service Star;' was crowned 'Mrs. Senior Central Arkansas;' Chosen 'Arkansas Mother Of The Year;' named in the 'Top 100 Women in Arkansas;' plus was honored as 'Civitan Citizen of The Year;' 'BPW Woman of the Year;' 'RSVP Woman of Style;' and there was more... Miss Jane spent her lifetime helping 'others' to be great. (It is terrific knowing you have made life's path easier for someone, somewhere...) She relished the goodness she inspired - when folks opened their billfolds or helped do an unsung job for a needy family or encouraged youngsters to lofty achievements, all making Arkansas a finer homeplace, Miss Jane was a trustworthy woman, forever loyal, steadfast in her values and was kindhearted to those who had no friends. Everyone was proud of her, yet Miss Jane believed 'personal pride' was life's mistake and therefore, we should never stop humbly serving others. A handful of days before her own death, she was on television, still begging for financial donations to fund AETN's programming. Miss Jane did all of this while being a Wife and a Mother as well as contributing to her household with full-time employment. She was the first woman President of the 'Association of Building Owners & Managers.' Miss Jane authored her autobiography; and, was on the National Speaker's Circuit, delivering her Southern accented valedictory to filled auditoriums and intimate groups. She even offered recordings of her talks because folks wanted to enjoy them over and over. When 'The Billy Graham Crusade' came to The Natural State in 1989, Miss Jane was invited to say the 'Opening Prayer.' Once again, with a bowed head, closed eyes and a prayerful clasp of hands, she proved to be a mighty and magnificent matriarch of Arkansas and Billy Graham had a powerful act to follow... Miss Jane had an admirable life which others should pattern after. At the core of her being, she was a Christian and knew Jesus Christ to be The Savior Of The World. If you did not have the opportunity to meet Miss Jane, you'll have another chance. She will be easy to spot amongst a bevy of doves and winged wonders; As a 'Volunteer Usher' for Heaven's new-comers, when 'The Pearly Gates' gaily swing wide, there she will rise. Transformed through the majesty of The Almighty, our Miss Jane will once again be a glowingly beautiful blonde, robed in chiffon 'n satin and this time, halo crowned; With a beatific smile and her precious Southern Lady drawl, dear Miss Jane will beckon in her own adorable terms: "Honey, come on inside; We've been wait'n for you, Sugar. Please, let me introduce you Darl'n, to everyone's best friend - JESUS CHRIST..." Visitation will be hosted at Ruebel Funeral Home, (on West Markham in LR) on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral Services will be conducted at the First Church of the Nazarene, (on Mississippi in LR) Saturday at 3 p.m. Burial will be at the Vilonia Cemetery in Vilonia, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com Everlasting home, a mansion in Paradise.
Freddie Krutz Young