Obituary of Doris Elizabeth Kramer (nee Miller)

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July 10, 1923 - May 20, 2026

Died at 102 in her St. Jacobs home as she wished, following a life dedicated to loving God and others.

Born in Richards, Iowa to Ira J. and Matilda (Weideman) Miller, she moved with her parents to Pennsylvania at age 14. There she met Rev. Raymond L. Kramer whom she married in 1944. Following 12 years in Meadville, Pa, a call to ministry at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church was accepted. Doris and Raymond along with their seven children made the moved to St. Jacobs in August 1958. In 1967 Doris became a Canadian citizen, often expressing appreciation for 64 years of living in her chosen home. 

Doris was preceded in death by an infant son Phillip James (1947), husband Raymond in June 1962, her parents, two sisters and their spouses, three brothers and four sisters-in-law. 

Doris was a remarkable person who lived her faith. She was not afraid to ask difficult questions, to challenge narrow thinking, to stand up for the underdog, to change her mind after careful consideration, to laugh easily, and most of all to express her love by accepting and building relationships with people of many ages and backgrounds. She loved well and was easy to love. She prayed regularly for family, friends and neighbours, including on the last morning of her life. This capacity for caring love is her legacy to her children Jonathan (Janet MacDonald); Paul (Nancy Needham); Phyllis; Marcus (Catherine Robertson); Daniel (Laura Gray); Stephanie; Mary Ette (Peter Yoder), and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her one remaining brother, James Miller of Albany, Oregon, many nieces and nephews and a myriad of friends. 

Doris' lived faith included her vocation as a social worker and through commitments to her church. She graduated from Conestoga College in 1975 and after a practicum at Family and Children's Services, was hired to work with foster families, and later as an unplanned pregnancy worker. She developed many long-lasting relationships through this work. Doris served and was nurtured by her congregation at St. Jacobs Mennonite, giving as a teacher of teenagers, and receiving the prayers and practical gifts given to her and her children after her husband's death. She broke barriers as the first woman to sit on the church council, was a worship leader, a welcoming presence at the church door on Sunday mornings, and vocal in expressing encouragement for pastors and other congregational leaders. She enjoyed participation in congregational singing with her strong, joyful alto voice. Upon retirement, Doris gladly attended sewing circle with other women of the church. 

Within the broader Mennonite church, Doris was secretary of the Women's Service Auxiliary, and opened the way for others as the first woman on the Mennonite Board of Missions. During her lifetime, she entertained foreign students, was part of an ecumenical Bible study, spoke in many churches, and was part of a support group visiting the local women's prison. Her commitments to giving focused on peace and justice and serving people in need. Having grown up during the 1930s, and relying on the social welfare system herself for a time after her husband died, it gave her pleasure to give generously. During the last ten years of her life she sewed 4,753 bags to be used for Mennonite Central Committee kits.

Doris enjoyed Scrabble and garage sales with friends, appreciated the beauty of garden flowers and in her last days the birds that visited her deck. These and appliqued quilts for grandchildren, rhubarb pie for work colleagues, tea out of china teacups with visitors, playing Qwirkle and Rummikub with family hold many memories. 

Thank you to Pastor Mark Diller-Harder and to the CarePartners palliative care nursing team for their 15 months of support.

At Doris’ request cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King St. North, St. Jacobs on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.  The Service of Celebration will take place at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, St. Jacobs on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Mark Diller Harder officiating. Reception to follow in the church. A private family interment will be held at St. Jacobs Church Cemetery. 

A livestream and recording of the funeral service will be available on Doris’ tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jacobs Mennonite Church or Mennonite Central Committee may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.