Marilyn Louise Cramer (91) peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Monday evening Feb.15, 2021 in Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth, Indiana. She was born in Lakeville, Indiana Aug. 31, 1929 as the eldest child of Russel F. Schutz and Frances Louise (Lawson) Schutz. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Dennis Cramer, grandson Joseph Cramer, a brother R. Fred Schutz, and sister Karen (Schutz) Weiss.
Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Ross L. Cramer of Miller’s Manor, Plymouth, Indiana and one sister, Ellen (Schutz) Hershberger of Bremen, Indiana. She is also survived by her children; Dr. Steven (Terri) Cramer of Cassopolis, Dale (Tricia) Cramer of Plymouth, Diane (Dennis) Berger of Plymouth, Dr. Michael (Cindi) Cramer of Mishawaka, Sharon (Jim) McIntosh of Warsaw and daughter in law Marcia Cramer Hochstetler of Bremen. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.
Having grown up in the Lakeville and Lapaz, Indiana areas, she attended both Lakeville H.S. and Lapaz H.S. She was active in her church and many high school activities including music, plays, cheerleading and amateur softball. A popular student, Marilyn was elected Prom Queen during her senior year. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Ross L. Cramer. After graduating they were married on September 12, 1948 at the Indiana Chapel, Lakeville, Indiana. They were blessed with 72 wonderful years together and their commitment to each other was a great example to us all.
Growing up in a loving Christian home, Marilyn committed her life to Christ at a young age and thus developed a life-long affinity for bible study, teaching children’s vacation bible school and adult Sunday school, and for the music of the church. Over her many years she led bible classes at both Shiloh Wesleyan Church and Sunrise Chapel.
Home and family were central to Marilyn’s life. Her family is blessed to have many memories of her and dad’s constant presence at school and church events and also hosting large family gatherings around holidays where Mom’s wonderful cooking abilities were on full display…especially her famous cinnamon rolls. Her cooking also led to a stint as a guest with providing cooking recipes during the 1970’s on the Dorothy Frisk local noontime TV show. In addition, there were also wonderful family fishing vacations in Wisconsin and visits with them in Florida in their later years. An avid game player, she was a force to be reckoned with during retirement in Florida.
In addition to being a wonderful wife, homemaker, and mother/grandmother, she also had professional abilities. These led her to eventually becoming the Asst. Manager of the Plymouth Auto License branch and as a leader in the Marshall County GOP.
Most of all, we will remember Mom’s tremendous faith, positive outlook on life and indomitable spirit even during the most trying times…particularly this last year as she was plagued with several health issues and the limitations of the Covid 19 restrictions. Through it all she never lost her smile, quick wit, orneriness and ability to laugh at herself during these times. We rejoice in the fact that she is now in heaven with her Lord and many loved ones but will miss her wonderful presence in our daily lives.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held on March 2, 2021 at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 Michigan Road, Plymouth, Indiana at 2 p.m. with visitation held prior in the church from 12:30-2 p.m. Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
In her honor memorial gifts may be made to Bethel University 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 or to the Plymouth Wesleyan Church.
Live video recording of the funeral service: https://vimeo.com/514926196
john says
i remember her from when i worked at annis foods in lapaz rest in peace marilyn
Dale Cramer says
John, I remember Mom coming home and had kind words about your helpfulness to her and the patrons! Thanks for remembering and sharing.
Dale
Diane says
John, Annis Grocery was a special place to Mom. She loved working there & shopping there. Thank you for your kind remembrance of Mom
Becky Carswell says
So many memories of Marilyn while working years with her at the License Brach. Marilyn was a loving person and friend. Prayers to the Cramer Family for comfort as your journey continues!!
Becky Eyrich Carswell
Dale Cramer says
Becky, thank you so much for your kind words. My mother loved you like a daughter. Great memories!
Dale
Bruce & Cindy Shidler says
Bruce and I are thinking of all of you at this time. You were blessed with a wonderful Mother and her memories are abundant and so very precious. May God bless you all at this time .
Steve Cramer says
Thanks so much Bruce and Cindy. We were very blessed to have a wonderful Mother.
Diane says
Bruce& Cindy, Thank you for your thoughts. Mom had a special place in her heart for Harry & Vivian.. one of their oldest neighborhood friends. We rejoice she is now singing in Heavenly choir
Carol Botset says
Marilyn used to be my bible school teacher & Sunday school teacher. @ Shilo Weslyn church on King Road. She lead me to the Lord. May God be with you in your time of loss.
What a day that will be when my Jesus I will see. When I look upon his face
Carol Botset (Bollman)
Steve Cramer says
Thanks for letting us know of Mom’s spiritual legacy. We will rejoice together one day.
Diane says
Carol, Thank you for sharing your memory of mom. It’s a comfort to hear from a life she touched for the Lord. She Loved teaching Bible School.
Bruce Cramer says
I would like to offer my condolences to Marilyn’s family. She was a wonderful aunt who was adored by many.
Steve Cramer says
Thanks Bruce…she loved all of her nieces and nephews!
Dale Cramer says
Thanks Bruce. Mom had fond memories of you, your ornery brothers and tortured sisters!
Dale
Diane says
John, Annis Grocery was a special place to Mom. She loved working there & shopping there. Thank you for your kind remembrance of Mom
Diane says
Bruce, Mom always told us to get ready for a fun afternoon when she said we were visiting Un Kenny’s family.. and we were never disappointed! She so loved all of you. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts
Shirley A. Pearson says
My condolence are with you during this time. You are in my prayers. God be with you
Dale Cramer says
Shirley, Thank you for your prayers & heartfelt condolences.
Linda Jones says
Dale & Tricia,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May your memories bring comfort during this sad time.
Allen & Linda Jones
Dale Cramer says
Linda,
We have wonderful memories!
Thanks for reaching out with your sympathy. ….Dale
Sheryl Ringer says
We were sorry to hear of the loss of you Mother. While we rejoice to know she is in Heaven, it is still hard on those left behind. May you feel God’s presence and comfort as you go through these days.
Mark and Sheryl Ringer
Steve Cramer says
Thanks so much Sheryl. It is bittersweet but rejoice knowing where she is and we will see her again.
Duane and Vicky Henderson says
What an inspiring life! So many memories shared. Prayers for all family.
Steve Cramer says
Thanks…Mom was an amazing multifaceted woman.
Dale Cramer says
Thank you for your kind words. Mom has reached the ultimate goal! Rejoicing in Heaven.
Dale
Marcia Brown Rettinger says
To the family, I am very sad to hear of Marilyn’s death. I have many fond memories of your family. With sympathy, Marcia Brown Rettinger
Steve Cramer says
Thank you Marcia. We Linkville kids had a wonderful childhood with loving parents.
Diane says
Thank you Marcia, our mothers were dear friends.. sharing each other’s tears & laughter.
Julie Palmer says
Dale, Trisha, and Mila,
Stan and I are so very sorry for the loss of your mother, and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you all.
Stan and Julie Palmer
Dale Cramer says
Stan & Julie: Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and prayers.
Dale & Tricia
Lisa Knepp says
Praying for the family during this time of loss. Rejoicing in her victory of heaven.
Dale Cramer says
Thanks Lisa. Appreciate the prayers. Heaven was the goal. Accomplished!!! Dale
Diane says
Thank you Lisa, Heaven is a wonderful place, now she sees her saviors face.
Cindy Crossgrove-Owens says
May your faith and memories comfort you during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers to all your family.
Steve Cramer says
Thank you Cindy. Mom passed on her faith to us and we lean it’s promises now.
Sherry Kibbe says
To the Cramer family, thoughts and prayers to all. Your mother was such a sweet lady always had a smile. God Bless . Sherry (Cox) Kibbe
Steve Cramer says
Thanks Sherry. Her smile and laugh will be sorely missed by we kids. Always brightened our day even in difficult times.
Diane says
Thank you for your thoughts & prayers.. cheering for those Lancers brought her much joy. We will miss her
Nancy Kistler says
I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Even if we think we are ready, it can be so difficult to face that final reality. Your dad, and all of your family, is in my prayers as you face the days and weeks ahead.
Nancy (Geyer) Kistler
Steve Cramer says
Thank you Nancy. We look forward to the day when we will see her again.
Diane says
Thank you Nancy. Mom enjoyed her sports.. but enjoyed watching us cheerleaders just as much. Bless you for your kind words & prayers
Kevin and Donna Chaney says
Moms create such positive memories just by being Mom. Let those memories guide you through the grieving process. Our deepest sympathy and condolences on her passing.
Steve Cramer says
Thanks Donna. We certainly have many wonderful memories as we celebrate her life.
Dale Cramer says
Thanks Kevin & Donna. Mom sure loved watching Nic play FB, BB & baseball. Great memories! ….Dale
Dr. Bill Kirkley says
To all the Cramer family,
My deepest condolences to each and every one. Marilyn was an incredible person. She was one of the kindest people I know. She was blessed with a long and active life, a wonderful family, and spiritual integrity. She created many memories that will be treasured by all. Thanks to the Cramer family for the memories I have of Marilyn and the time I spent with you. May God bless all of you and give you grace as you walk this difficult path. Take care.
Dr. Bill Kirkley
Steve Cramer says
Bill,
Mom really appreciated the day you stopped by to see them when you were in town. Many great stories shared that day.
Deborah Symon says
Thoughts and Prayers to all the Cramer’s Family. Your mother was an amazing lady. My your faith help you find the peace and blessings of so many treasured memories. God Bless!
Deb Blackburn Symon
Steve Cramer says
Thanks Deb. We are blessed with many great memories to treasure.
Dale Cramer says
Thanks Deb. Mom lived a wonderful life! Her love of God and family were always evident.
Dlae
Diane says
Thank you Deb, your Mother was a wonderful friend to Mom. Laughter in abundance.
Les Trump says
Always will remember Marilyn as a wonderful, caring lady! Always took the time for chats when we met in stores and after choir concerts at Nappanee Missionary Church. The family will be in our prayers!!
Steve Cramer says
Thanks Les…your parents and mine were mainstays of the Shiloh Wesleyan Church…many good memories.
LESLIE G TRUMP says
STEVE : SO MANY GREAT TIMES AND I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH MEMORIES AT SHILOH. SHE IS REJOICING WITH DENNY
!!
Diane says
Les, Thank you for your kind words. Berger, Trump, Suter, Cramer. What fun & stories they told of their trips to Southern Gospel Quartet Conventions. Christian friends make Heaven sweeter
LESLIE G TRUMP says
Diane: I miss those times also!! Great neighborhood!!
Jan Fuchs says
Oh Diane, I do remember your mom so well. She was always at basketball games. Sorry for your loss.
Diane says
Thank you Jan. Mom did love her sports… I think she even managed to catch a few of our GAA games.. not pretty – but fun. We were blessed
Cindy Martin Milner says
It is with real sadness that I read of Marilyn’s passing. She was always a gem to be around, and Mom enjoyed her so. What a lovely Tribute her family wrote for a very nice lady!
Dale Cramer says
Cindy,
Thank you for the kind words.
Heaven received a special lady!
Dale
Norma Young says
You have my sincere sympathy in the passing of your mother. I so enjoyed them here at Millers. I can’t remember if they were here when I came, When you kids came it was fun seeing you also. God blessing for your dad.
Dale Cramer says
Norma, Mom so enjoyed being around you. You helped her remember some wonderful memories of all of us growing up! I too looked forward to seeing you on my visits. God bless you for helping making her late years memorable! Dale
Diane says
Norma. Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed talking to you when I visited. You were a blessing to dad. He was enjoyed your company at mealtime. God Bless
Robert Birkey Family says
To the Cramer family,
You were so blessed to have a godly mother. Our family thought a lot of the Cramer family. Our sympathies are with you. May the Lord bring comfort and His love at this time.
Steve Cramer says
Thanks so much. We were definitely blessed to have such a godly Mom.
Diane says
Norma. Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed talking to you when I visited. You were a blessing to dad. He was enjoyed your company at mealtime. God Bless
Barb Lowry says
Ross and Family,
Our sincere condolences for your loss of one so dear. Sending prayers for your whole family. Heaven has gained another angel. May good memories give you comfort.
Barb & Bub Lowry
Davenport, FL
Debra Kinney says
Sorry for your loss and may all of your wonderful memories be a comfort to the family. The Paul Rogers Family.
Diane says
Thanks Deb, it’s always good talking with you. A lot of laughter when Mom would stop to see Pat & Aunt Ruth. A life well lived
Bob and Linda Stoneburner says
Ross and family, we, too, will miss her smile and friendship. We are thankful to have shared so many fun times with both Ross and Marilyn.
I know you are all comforted with many wonderful memories.
Our sympathy and love,
Bob and Linda Stoneburner