Jacquelyn May Kramer

Jacquelyn May (Wheaton) Kramer, 83, of Ottawa, passed away at her home Friday, September 1, 2023, with family by her side.

Jacque was born October 28, 1939 in Independence, Missouri, the daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Browning) Wheaton.

She graduated from Central High School, Kansas City, Missouri in 1957 and attended St. Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences in the late 1950s. Jacque was united in marriage to George Frederick Kramer of Ottawa, Kansas on June 7, 1959 in Independence, Missouri, and they settled down and raised their family in Ottawa, Kansas. Jacque graduated from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy in 1975. As a Registered Pharmacist, she worked at many pharmacies and drug stores in the area, including Kramer Drug Store. Jacque and George retired in 2006 and had enjoyed 50 years of marriage before George’s passing in 2009.

Jacque had a passion for family and loved to spend time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, play large family games (especially cards), and host holiday gatherings with a vast array of festive decorations. Jacque anchored her family. She was always present to celebrate weddings, graduations, and birthdays for all. Jacque had the greenest of thumbs; she enjoyed growing her gardens from seed and shared her many budding plants with family and friends. Jacque was an active member of her community; she played in several local bridge clubs, volunteered at Powell Gardens for many years, and delivered meals with Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Ottawa, and played in the church bell choir for many years. Jacque loved to travel; she enjoyed camping with family and her dogs, long road trips, and traveling the world, visiting six continents (including Antarctica).

Jacque was preceded in death by her husband, George Kramer, and by her parents, Edward & Dorothy Wheaton.

Survivors include two brothers, Walter Wheaton and wife Darlene of Cheyenne, Wyoming and John Wheaton and wife Billie Kaye of Fromberg, Montana; three children, Kenton Kramer and wife Leah of Pensacola Beach, Florida, Teresa Rasmussen and husband Stanley of Lawrence, Kansas, and Doug Kramer and wife Stacey of Holton, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Jarred (Kate), Ian, Rachel (Nick), Ashley (Mike), and Shawn ; two great-grandchildren, Jensen and Emilia; and many extended family members with whom she was close.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 am Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church, Ottawa. Kansas. Family will meet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 15, 2023, also at the church.