Margaret Krause

GREAT VALLEY — Margaret Krause, 83, of Great Valley, died Tuesday morning (April 14, 2026) at home, following a long illness.

Born Nov. 5, 1942 in Salamanca, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Jane Adsit Bowen. She was married March 3, 1961, in Great Valley, to Loren Krause, who predeceased her in 2023.

She was a graduate of Ellicottville High School, Class of 1960.

Margaret had been employed as a school bus driver with the Ellicottville Central School System for over 35 years, retiring in 2008. She was the first female basketball referee in Cattaraugus County, and was a referee and umpire for softball and volleyball.

She and her husband were vendors at various craft shows, selling their creations. They also enjoyed travelling in their RV across the country together. She will be remembered for the beautiful flower beds that surrounded her home.

Surviving are two daughters, Jodi (Russell) Belair of Augusta, Maine and Jackie Winship of Salamanca; three grandsons, Cody (Lindsy) Martin of Chicago, Ill., Darin (Lisa) Winship and Jonathan (Victoria Petherick) Winship, both of Salamanca; four great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Ambuske and Maverick Winship, both of Salamanca, Maya Martin and Max Martin, both of Chicago; a brother, Raymond Bowen of  North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a son, Loren “Bud” Krause Jr.; a great-grandson, Oliver Winship; a sister, Marney Ferguson; and two brothers, Robert Bowen and Richard Bowen.

Per Margaret’s request, there will be no visitation. Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to EARS, P.O. Box 445, Salamanca, NY 14779.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.