Florence M. Krater, 75, of Sweet Home passed away Monday at home. She was born in Sweet Home to James Oliver And Gladys (Coonrod) Deffenbaugh.

In her many places that she lived she had many adventurous work experiences and she met many people. She was the first woman stock car driver in Hawaii. She also did security for the show Magnum PI and airport security at the Honolulu airport. Florence returned to Sweet Home in 1986 to care for her parents. She was head cook at the Spring Restaurant in Sweet Home.

She loved playing Bingo at the Elks and VFW. She loved arts and crafts, crocheting and painting, and collected any type of Santa Claus figurine.

Florence is survived by: her children, Pete Krater of Sweet Home and Tammy (and her husband, Robert) McVicker of San Antonio; siblings, Ella, Charles, Sharon, Shirley, Barbara, and Leonard; grandaughters, Leah Mendoza, Jennifer (and her husband, Rob) Hangley, and Melissa McVicker; great grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Joshua, and Sydney Paige.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, John Vernon Deffenbaugh and James Edward Deffenbaugh; sister, Jean Laney; and daughter-in-law, Sue Krater.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2012 at Gilliland Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.