Nancy Krause

Nancy Baskin Krause passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. She was reunited with her beloved husband of 42 years, Milton Krause. Together, they raised three children: Mark, Allison, and Rebecca.

Nancy was the owner of Nancy’s Antiques in Brenham for the past 65 years and was one of the original 24 dealers who founded the Round Top Antiques Show, originally held at the Round Top Rifle Hall in 1968.

She was born in 1936 in Houston, Texas, to Thomas Carroll Baskin and Ruth Helen Williams Baskin and grew up in Garden Villas. The family later moved to the Field Store community. Nancy graduated from Waller High School in 1953 as Salutatorian and Homecoming Queen. She attended the University of Texas and Blinn College—where she met Milton—and both graduated from Sam Houston State University.

After marriage, Nancy and Milton were school teachers in Navasota and Brenham. In addition, she taught ESL classes to adult students through the Community Education Program for many years. She was deeply proud of the many educators in her family, a legacy that led to Krause Elementary being named in honor of Milton and Gerald Krause and their families’ love of teaching.

Nancy was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and served on many community organizations throughout her life, including the Brenham Fortnightly Club and the Brenham Heritage Society. Her home was featured many times on the Tour of Homes.

She enjoyed traveling on summer buying trips to New England to purchase antiques for her shop. Each summer concluded with a cherished trip, hosted by “Nana and Paps,” to Crystal Beach for her children and grandchildren. These special memories—as well as the annual Christmas Eve celebrations—will forever hold a special place in her family’s hearts.

Nancy is survived by her children Mark Krause and wife Jane of Navasota, Allison Crowson, Rebecca Mertz and husband Ron of Brenham

Grandchildren Jamie and Ken Mock, Matthew and Macey Krause, Michael Trey Krause and Paige Allphin, Wiley and Veronica Crowson, Margaret and Greg Melton, Alli and Robert Stark, Mason Mertz, Hailee and Cody Lancon, Collin Mertz and fiancée Alie Derkowski, Tyson and Jordan Mertz.

Great-grandchildren Macy Mock, Carley Mock, Carter Mock, Kyler Krause, Kess Krause, Krew Daring, Kora Krause, Klara Krause, Aubrey Crowson, Blayne Crowson, Alice Melton, Jane Melton, Linlee Lancon, Landry Lancon, and baby boy Mertz due in November.

Brothers John Baskin, and George Baskin and wife Sally, all of Humble; sister-in-law Augustine Baskin; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Special Friends Agnes Strauss, Glenwood and Martha Vernon, Lucille Brannon, Teddi Marks, Larry Kieke, and two devoted nieces—Karen Gurka and Tudie Hathaway—who lovingly checked on her. Nancy is also survived by her beloved cats: Spots, Jr., and Silver Bullet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, T.C. and Ruth Baskin; in-laws, Henry and Lena Krause; sister Patsy Ruth Baskin Burns; brother Thomas Carroll Baskin Jr.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Ervin and Ella Mae Krause, Burney Krause, Gladys and Leroy Monroe, Delores and Clyde Walker; and nephews Gerald Krause and Bill Baskin.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday, August 25 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, in Brenham, Texas.

The Funeral Service will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 305 West Third Street, Brenham, Texas

Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Special neighbor and friend Larry Kieke will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Kruse Village Nursing and Rehab, as well as Brazos Valley Hospice, for their exceptional care over the last two months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brazos Valley Hospice, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Brenham ISD Education Foundation.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street in Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com