Dolores Kramer, 88, of Coupeville, moved on to be with our savior Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, she never wavered from her positive outlook on life.
She was born Oct. 19, 1919 in Omaha, Neb. to William F. and Mae Wittenberg McWilliams.
Dolores graduated from Central High School in Omaha in 1937 and attended junior college until 1939. Her studies led to a career in personnel management and employment with the Military Department during World War II, Deschutes and Crook counties in Oregon, and with Western Girl in California.
While working for the military, Dolores met Reno Kramer. They were married Feb. 6, 1943 in Portland, Ore. and shared more than 65 years together.
Following their dreams led to homes in Oregon, California, Idaho and Washington. Proof of their love for each other was evident with the birth of their three children, Linda, Jeffrey and Dana.
Avid travelers, Dolores and Reno’s adventures took them not only to numerous national parks but exotic locations worldwide.
In 1992, the Kramers found their final home on Whidbey, where they became members of the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church. Dolores’ church activities included hosting Sunday services and donating her unique quilt creations. She also achieved certification as a Stephen Minister.
Donating her time and services were a constant theme. A longtime member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, she held leadership positions and earned honors while a member of various chapters. In Idaho, she donated more than 2,400 hours to the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, receiving a service certificate from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Volunteering activities in Whidbey included the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation and Whidbey General Hospital.
If being a wonderful wife and mother, relentless worker and tireless volunteer were not enough, Dolores also found time to express her artistic side. Her creative talents poured out in such mediums as painting, quilting, stained glass and pottery.
Dolores is survived by her loving husband Reno, along with daughter Linda Plitkins of Freeland, sons Jeffrey Kramer of Wassenaar, The Netherlands and Dana Kramer of New York, N.Y. Missing her also will be Andy Plitkins (husband to Linda), Sue Kramer (wife to Jeff) and Katherine Leask (fiance to Dana). Grandchildren include Demi Plitkins, Shari Bullen, Sarah Kramer and Nathan Kramer, along with great-grandchildren Jake, Tony and Gavan. She will also be missed by her island neighbors and church family.
A memorial service is 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church Mission Ministry.
