BENJAMIN FRANKLIN GRAME Sr.

GRAME Sr., BENJAMIN FRANKLIN April 14, 1906 to December 2, 2010 Benjamin Franklin Grame, Sr., 104, passed away peacefully in his La Mesa home on Dec. 2, 2010. Beloved "Grandpa Ben" is survived by his son, Benjamin F. Grame, Jr.; seven grandchildren (Marinda Torgl, Janine Rojas and Teresa Grame; Robinette Ashley, Heidi Mullans, Stephen Grame and Hope Zeller); three step-grandchild-ren (Aaron Turner, Katrina Creitz, Travis Turner), seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Ben was preceded in death by his wife Hattie, five siblings, and son, Sheldon Grame. Ben was born on April 14, 1906 in Topeka Kansas, to William Grame and Hedwig Becktold. He was the eldest of five children. Ben and his wife Hattie were married on June 24, 1929. After marriage, Hattie and Ben lived in Naperville, Illinois while attending North Central College. In 1935, the couple moved to San Diego. During the depression, Ben worked as a cook, pedaled ice cream, drove a street car, and owned a bakery delivery business. In later years, he worked as an aircraft toolmaker for General Dynamics and Douglas North America. After retiring in 1972, Ben grew avocados and other produce, which he sold along with honey products from his home. In addition, Ben taught Sunday school for 44 years - often with classes of up to 40 children - mostly for Skyline Church. On his 100th birthday, he was named "Sunday School Teacher of the Century" by his many former students. A memorial service, followed by a burial ceremony, will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 14th, 1 p.m. at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary in Bonita. Donations may be made to the Skyline Church Children's Ministry program, (619) 660-5000.