Rita Mae (Lueking) Kramer

Rita Mae (Lueking) Kramer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at the age of 89. Born March 6, 1936, in Axtell, Kansas, Rita lived a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to her family and lifelong Lillis community.

Rita was the daughter of Joseph and Augusta “Mary” Lueking. She married Elmer Boeckman on December 29, 1955, and together they built a life centered on faith, love, and farming. Elmer passed in 1982. She was later married to Wilbert Kramer until his passing in 2004.

Rita was a devoted mother to seven children and a cherished grandmother to fifteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren, with two more coming soon. She took immense joy in family gatherings, where a lot of laughter and storytelling created lasting memories. She was fiercely proud of her family and spoke of them often with admiration and gratitude, quick to share a story of their many accomplishments.

Rita was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lillis and then later Annunciation in Frankfort. Her faith was a guiding light, and she lived it out through acts of generosity and service.

She approached life the same way she approached baking and sewing - with precision. Never a shortcut, and a stubborn streak that served her well. She didn’t sugarcoat things, but she knew how to make something sweet from scratch, whether it was a dessert, dress, or a quilt. If something needed fixing, she fixed it. If something needed baking, she baked it better than anyone else. She was famous for her German Chocolate Cake, which set the gold standard for every birthday and holiday gathering. She took great pride in having visited every corner of the country, reaching all 50 states over the years. However, some of her most cherished travels took her across the Atlantic to Germany, where she reconnected with family and her roots. Rita spent the last couple of years at Wellsprings of Westmoreland Care Home, where she loved her Friday afternoon bingo, often with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids playing with her.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Elmer and Wib; parents, Joe and Mary; brothers Richard, Raymond, and Francis; and son-in-law Brad Hull.

She is survived by her children, Connie Hull, Karen Ladner(Jim), Ronnie Boeckman(Angie), Paula Lauer(Joe), Steve Boeckman, Andy Boeckman(Renee), and Anita Anderson(Duane); fifteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren with two more coming soon; and sister Mary Lou Boeckman.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., Sunday, July 27, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Frankfort.  A rosary service will follow at 7 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 28, at the church. Father Anthony Chendumalli will officiate.

Rita’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to Wellsprings of Westmoreland Care Home. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel. C/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.