Obituary for Shirley Ann Cramer (Kyle)
Shirley Ann (Kyle) Cramer, age 94, passed peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 in Topeka, Kansas.
Shirley was born to Karl and Mary Kyle on August 23, 1926 in Wellsville, Kansas. Shirley had two older brothers (James and Robert Kyle) and one older sister (Carolyn Runyon). She graduated from Wellsville High School and later attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
Shirley met her husband, John Wallace Cramer, at age 20 after John returned from the Navy in 1946, and they married six weeks later. They shared 46 years of marriage together. Surviving are three children, Merry Christine Rainwater (Rick) of Panama City, Florida, Julie Ann Joyes of Topeka, Kansas, and Kyle Jane Ashton (Jim) of Topeka, Kansas; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, Erin Knowles (Sam and Dylan), April Joyes (Kaitlyn, Ryan, Ayla, and Mason), Nathan Joyes, Katie Flott (Porter and Hudson), and Emily Ziegler (Evan and Drew); and her sisters-in-law, Evelyn Kyle, Annette Grubiss Glickman, and Jean Cramer. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.
Shirley was known for her generosity, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor. All were welcome with Shirley; she did not know a stranger. Over the years, Shirley opened her home to her family to live with her. She loved to entertain and connect with family and friends. Shirley was an excellent cook and hostess. She spent her free time reading, gardening, playing bridge, and traveling. Shirley displayed an independent and adventurous spirit that strongly influenced the lives of those around her.
Shirley was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Gardner, Kansas where she enjoyed cooking meals for youth events and singing in the choir. While Shirley lived in Panama City, Florida she became a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, participated in the Pilot’s Club of Panama City, and delivered Meals on Wheels. Throughout her life, Shirley was a friend to animals whether it was caring for pets, wildlife, or supporting animal rescue efforts.
A memorial service and celebration of life gathering will be held 10:00am Saturday, June 26, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church,138 E Shawnee St, Gardner, KS 66030. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local Salvation Army in Shirley’s memory.
Shirley was born to Karl and Mary Kyle on August 23, 1926 in Wellsville, Kansas. Shirley had two older brothers (James and Robert Kyle) and one older sister (Carolyn Runyon). She graduated from Wellsville High School and later attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
Shirley met her husband, John Wallace Cramer, at age 20 after John returned from the Navy in 1946, and they married six weeks later. They shared 46 years of marriage together. Surviving are three children, Merry Christine Rainwater (Rick) of Panama City, Florida, Julie Ann Joyes of Topeka, Kansas, and Kyle Jane Ashton (Jim) of Topeka, Kansas; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, Erin Knowles (Sam and Dylan), April Joyes (Kaitlyn, Ryan, Ayla, and Mason), Nathan Joyes, Katie Flott (Porter and Hudson), and Emily Ziegler (Evan and Drew); and her sisters-in-law, Evelyn Kyle, Annette Grubiss Glickman, and Jean Cramer. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.
Shirley was known for her generosity, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor. All were welcome with Shirley; she did not know a stranger. Over the years, Shirley opened her home to her family to live with her. She loved to entertain and connect with family and friends. Shirley was an excellent cook and hostess. She spent her free time reading, gardening, playing bridge, and traveling. Shirley displayed an independent and adventurous spirit that strongly influenced the lives of those around her.
Shirley was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Gardner, Kansas where she enjoyed cooking meals for youth events and singing in the choir. While Shirley lived in Panama City, Florida she became a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, participated in the Pilot’s Club of Panama City, and delivered Meals on Wheels. Throughout her life, Shirley was a friend to animals whether it was caring for pets, wildlife, or supporting animal rescue efforts.
A memorial service and celebration of life gathering will be held 10:00am Saturday, June 26, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church,138 E Shawnee St, Gardner, KS 66030. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local Salvation Army in Shirley’s memory.