Eleanor Jean Cramer, daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy (Orlowski) Siemsen, was born May 4, 1936, in Kansas City, Kan., and passed away Oct. 14, 2021, at 85 years of age. Eleanor married Frank Vancil in 1953. Two children were born to this union, Barbara and Robert. She later married the love of her life, John Cramer, on July 29, 1965, and they had one son together, Johnny. Eleanor worked as an elevator operator, a waitress and she always talked about fond memories of working at Kats Drug Store in Kansas City. She also worked as a secretary for Norwood Schools, and then retired after several years of working for Walmart in Mountain Grove. In her spare time, she loved to write poems. She also wrote the lyrics to two Christian songs that were published, “Why Lord, Do You Love Me Today?” and “My Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus.” Eleanor will always be remembered for her devotion to family, her love for her children and grandchildren, and her devotion to her faith. Above all things, she loved the Lord. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Cold Springs Freewill Baptist Church. Besides her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, John Cramer; her daughter, Barbara Gray; a granddaughter, Magic Dawn Vancil; and three sisters, Judy Rumford, Barb Johnson and Betty Fields.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Vancil and his wife, Joy, and Johnny Cramer and his wife, Kellie; and one son-in-law, David Gray, all of Norwood; 17 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other friends, relatives and church family who will miss her dearly. Visitation for Eleanor Cramer will be held Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home chapel. Funeral services will be Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Zach Williams officiating. Song selections will be “Far Side Banks of Jordan,” “Why Lord, Do You Love Me Today?” and “My Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,” sung by Sherry McIntosh, Carolyn Stofer, and Donna Gilley. Shane Gray, Shaun Gray, Shelby Gray, Dustin Cramer, Chaz Cramer and Brice Cramer will serve as pallbearers. Paul McIntosh, Joe Sellars, Larry Connors and Burt Smith will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com
