Betty Kramer

August 10, 1937 - April 16, 2022

Betty Lou Kramer (Baldwin), 84 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at her home in Higginsville. She was born Tuesday, August 10, 1937 in Chillicothe, Missouri, to the late William Baldwin and the late Opal Baldwin (Frizzel). She graduated from Chillicothe High School and then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in music at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, graduating in 1959. She met her husband, Elmer while working at Montgomery Wards. They were married May 31, 1959 and spent 28 happy years together until his passing on January 25, 1987. In 1969, Betty and Elmer moved to Higginsville and opened Kramer Mens and Boys Clothing Store. Elmer and Betty managed the store together serving the community and surrounding area with the finest men’s clothing, suits, and tuxedo rentals. After his passing, Kristina and Betty took on the family business together until closing in June of 2019. Betty established a widow’s group which contained thirty to forty widows. They would meet weekly for dinner at the local restaurants to share stories about their grandchildren and help each other heal from losing their spouses. Betty’s true passion in life was music. She taught piano lessons, volunteered at the Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Choirs. She also volunteered at the Higginsville Habilitation Center playing music for the client’s enjoyment. She was a proud member of the Women’s Sweet Adaline’s group and then the Chorus of Friends where she sang Cantatas at Christmas and Easter for the local churches. She was a member of the Caring Christian Clowns where she performed as a clown for the elderly in nursing homes to brighten their day. She was very passionate about helping and strengthening people through music. Betty will be greatly missed by all the friends and family that loved her so much. Surviving are one son, Samuel (Kristie) Kramer of Higginsville, one daughter, Kristina (Jeff) Shier of Higginsville, one brother, Jerry (Jody) Baldwin of Arkansas; three grandchildren, Mallory (Cory) Soendker of Wellington, MO, Zachary Kramer of Higginsville, Katelyn (Andrew) Homfeld of Higginsville; two great-grandchildren, Lynley and Kendall. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville. Interment will follow in the Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, MO. Casket bearers: Sam Kramer, Zachary Kramer, Andrew Homfeld, Jeff Shier, Cory Soendker, Guy D’Aurelio. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran School.