Elsie Elizabeth Krause Gannaway

Elsie Elizabeth Gannaway, 90 years old, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at her home in Fort Worth with her family by her side.

Elsie was born October 12, 1935, in Spicewood, Texas to her parents Archie Dean Krause and Novella Shahan Krause at an unbelievable weight of twelve pounds, fourteen ounces. She was one of three children, which were all girls. After residing in Spicewood, the family decided to relocate to Austin, Texas; this was for her Dad to open his own barbershop on Congress Avenue, creating a better life for his family which included our Mom being able to pursue her love for the piano.

Mom met the love of her life at an early age, Billie Melville Gannaway. Who happened to live only one block away on the same street. The way Mom tells the story is that our Dad gave her a ride home on the bicycle he owned for his paper route. While engaged in conversation, Mom asked Dad, “How many girlfriends do you currently have?” In which he said, “I have three, but my number one girlfriend is sitting on the bike with me now!” Their “first date” went quickly downhill after zooming by her Dad’s barbershop. As she waved to her father with such joy, he witnessed her riding the seat behind Billie, holding on tight and not in a sidesaddle fashion. After her immediate grounding, they resumed their courtship through the years and created a happy ending to their love story. Mom and Dad married September 3, 1954, and enjoyed a strong and blessed marriage until Dad’s death in December of 2013.

Faith became a very important part of our mom’s and Dad’s life, especially after the children flew the “nest.” First attending Westcliff United Methodist Church and what is now Arborlawn United Methodist Church. Mom and Dad not only developed a strong love for their faith, but many lifelong friendships. Mom was an active member of Pathfinders Sunday School class and had a long association with the United Methodist Women at both Westcliff and Arborlawn. Mom was an ardent supporter of the Church Food Pantry, where she tirelessly and faithfully donated her time and talents.

Mom was a devoted fan of the Texas Rangers, even when they were terrible. She also loved our family ranch and all the fond memories from picking pecans, making wild plum jelly, and supervising numerous projects that we thought did not need to be done.

Elsie is survived by her children, Mark (Teresa) Gannaway and Dina (Doug) Levesque; her four precious grandchildren, Claire (Phillip) Barnhard, Samuel (Chelsie) Gannaway, Trey (Sadie) Levesque, and Blair (Chad) Sprong.  In addition, her seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Billie Melville Gannaway.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Arborlawn United Methodist Church, followed by a private graveside service at Laural Land Cemetery where she will be joining the love of her life.