Elizabeth F. Krauss | Craft artist, 60

Elizabeth Foltz Krauss, 60, of Collegeville, a craft artist whose dolls, angels, and ornaments were sold in more than 2,000 stores, died of heart failure Sunday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

In early 1970s Mrs. Krauss won an ornament-making contest sponsored by Women's Day magazine and established a store, Pine Cone Peddler, in Harleysville. She eventually expanded to a wholesale business, Pine Baroness Inc., and built a warehouse behind her home in Harleysville. She wanted to be near her sons when they were growing up, said her husband, W. Dennis Krauss, and employed other mothers who needed flexible hours.

Her dolls, with their demure expressions, and handicrafts were sold in the United States and abroad and were featured locally in Strawbridge & Clothier department stores.

After closing her business in the late 1990s, Mrs. Krauss earned a certificate in interior design from Philadelphia University. She enjoyed floral arranging, cross-stitching and cooking.

She was former director of the Lower Salford Youth Association and was treasurer of the local branch of P.E.O., a group that promotes women's education.

Mrs. Krauss graduated from Harriton High School. After earning a bachelor's degree from Bucknell University, she taught German at Pennridge High School, where her future husband also taught.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Krauss is survived by sons Kurt and Kent; a sister and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. John's Lutheran Church, 3104 Main St., Sumneytown.