Ross L. Cramer (92) peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Tuesday evening March 22, in Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth. He was born in Linkville, Indiana July 1, 1929 as the eldest surviving child of Charles Cramer and Mildred (Reese) Cramer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Marilyn, his parents, son Dennis Cramer, grandson Joseph Cramer, a brother Kenneth Cramer, sister “little” Marilyn Cramer and 2 infant siblings; Keith and Phyllis.
Ross is survived by one brother, C. Larry Cramer of Plymouth, Indiana. He is also survived by his 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. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
Having grown up in the Lapaz, Indiana area, Dad attended both the old Linkville School and Lapaz High School. He was active in high school activities but focused primarily on athletics, participating in softball, basketball and track…regularly winning the 100, 200 yard dashes, and relay events. During this time he also learned the values of faith, commitment, and hard work. At the age of 14 Dad was thrust into the position of having to run the small family farm as his father recuperated from a severe farm accident. That focused, family commitment was evident throughout Dad’s life when he needed to persevere in dealing with the trials of Life.
It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Marilyn (Schutz). As Dad often told the story: “While two classmates were arguing about who should ask Mom out on a date, I snuck out of the gym and asked her first!” That began a decades long love relationship. Then a year after graduating they were married on Sept. 12, 1948 at the Indiana Chapel, Lakeville. Mom and Dad were blessed with 72 wonderful years together and their commitment to each other was a great example for us all.
Growing up in a Christian home, Dad committed his life to Christ as young teenager. While quiet about his faith, he exhibited it outwardly in his commitment to his wife, family, friends, and in his business practices. Dad’s faith, commitment and work ethic (his work excellence being his signature) was never more evident than when at the age of 29 he and a partner stepped out and started Faulkner & Cramer Masonry…a business that eventually grew to 2 crews providing masonry work spanning 33 years until his retirement.
His family is also blessed to have many memories of Dad and Mom’s faithfulness to their church family, constant presence at their children’s school and church events and also in their hosting large family gatherings…especially around the holidays. In addition, there were also wonderful family fishing vacations in Wisconsin and visits with them in Florida in their later years. Dad and Mom became teenagers all over again during their retirement in Florida and could wear you out playing cards and other games until past midnight.
Most of all, we will remember Dad’s quiet faith, most exemplified in his loving devotion to Mom…particularly her last years as she was plagued with several health issues and the limitations of the Covid 19 restrictions. We rejoice in the fact that he is now in heaven with his Lord, Mom and many loved ones. But we will miss his presence in our daily lives.
The Cramer family would also like to thank the Miller’s nursing home staff for their wonderful loving care for Dad, particularly since Mom’s death a year ago.
A celebration of Ross' life will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 Michigan Road, Plymouth, Indiana at 2 p.m. with visitation held prior in the church from 12:00-2 p.m. Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. The service will also be streamed on church web site: https://vimeo.com/event/1979965
Memorial gifts in Dad’s honor may be made to Bethel University 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545 or to the Plymouth Wesleyan Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com
