Ellen Marguerite Clare Kramer

OZAWKIE- Ellen Marguerite Clare Kramer, 87, Ozawkie, passed away Friday, September 22, 2006 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, surrounded by her loving family and pastors. She was born on March 8, 1919 at Ozawkie, the daughter of John T. and Maude Michael Clare. She lived her entire life in the Ozawkie area. She attended Pleasant Hill Grade School west of Ozawkie. She graduated from Ozawkie Rural High School in 1936 and from Central Business College in Kansas City in 1937. On September 8, 1938, Ellen married William Anthony Kramer, son of Roy Kramer and Rachel Grist Kramer, at Holton, Kansas. They were married 66 years when he passed away on March 10, 2005. Ellen worked for the Jefferson County ASC office following business college. She worked at the Supply Depot in Topeka for 7 years, beginning in 1939, during World War II. After her mother died in 1939, Ellen took care of her dad and younger brother until her dad died in 1941. She and her husband had a dairy business from 1952-1964, when the government bought their land for Lake Perry. Ellen worked in the Jefferson County Treasurers office from 1965-1970. Following that they owned and managed the Lakeside Drive-In at Ozawkie, from 1970-1975. Ellen had a beautiful smile. She was a very strong person and a friend to everyone. Ellen was an avid reader and a big fan of As The World Turns for many years. She loved animals and had several pets, including dogs, cats, squirrels, raccoons, geese and cows. Her family was her greatest joy. She gave devoted, selfless love, wholly to their care. Ellen exemplified and taught the values of work, honesty, and family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Ellen was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, remaining in close contact with her cousins in Ireland, visiting them twice. She was a member of the Ozawkie United Methodist Church, served as treasurer, and baked biscuits and cornbread for church dinners for 25 years. Ellen enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Town and Country bowling league for 25 years. Another favorite activity, in which she and W.A. both participated, was square dancing. They belonged to the Lakeside Swingers and Perry Squares dance clubs, enjoying dancing and fellowship for many years. She enjoyed her flowers and plants at home. Ellen was active in community organizations. She was a 62-year member of Pleasant View Grange and Kansas State Grange. Ellen held membership in O.E.S. #399 in Meriden for 58 years. She was a 50-year member of Rebeka Lodge #657, Ozawkie, and served as a 4-H Club leader for several years. She was also a member of American Legion Auxiliary #36, Oskaloosa; Daughters of the American Revolution, Topeka; Jefferson County Genealogical Society; Jefferson County Extension Unit Council; and the Irish Cultural Institute, Topeka. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Nancy Brunton and husband, Leon, Ozawkie, KS; two sons, Joe Kramer and wife, Charlene, Brewster, KS and William J. Kramer and wife, Susan, Oskaloosa, KS; eight grandchildren, Jody Brunton Schram (Ron), Gardiner, MT; Les Brunton (Laurie), West Yellowstone, MT; Roger Brunton (Traci), Meriden, KS; Dennis Kramer, Brewster, KS; Diane Shay (Ryan), St. Francis, KS; Julie Durand (Jamie), Valley Falls, KS; Amy VanHouse (Dan), Meriden, KS; Colleen Gattshall (Travis), Goodland, KS; eight great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Betty Thomas (Wayne), Humeston, IA; five nieces, one nephew, and many beloved friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, W.A. Kramer; her parents, John T. and Maude Michael Clare; one sister, Alice Fowler, and one brother, John Jr. Clare. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2006 at the Ozawkie United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Ozawkie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 27 at Barnett Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ozawkie Cemetery Association and sent in care of Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa, KS 66066. Ellen Clare Kramer