OLATHE — Carlene L. Kramer, Olathe, died Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. She was 87.
She was born March 3, 1934, in Overbrook, the first child of Sallie Woodring and Barlow Johnson.
After graduating from Overbrook Rural High School in 1952, Carlene worked as an orthodontist assistant to Dr. McComb and Dr. Casper in Topeka.
In December 1954, Carlene left Kansas for England, to marry Dale Kramer (ORHS Class of 1949). They were married Christmas Day 1954 at the Air Force base in Buttonwood, England. After Dale left the service, they moved to Norman, Okla., where Dale attended Oklahoma University, and where their first daughter, Debbie, was born.
After Dale’s graduation from OU in 1960, the family moved to Kansas City, Mo., where Dale was employed by Bendix Corporation until his retirement, and where their second daughter, Kim, was born.
Carlene took up painting as a hobby, and the family spent many weekends at arts and crafts shows selling her work. Following Dale’s retirement in 1986, Dale and Carlene traveled much of the year, visiting wildlife reserves and spending winters in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dale died in May 1997.
Yardwork, water aerobics, traveling, visiting the grandkids and great-grandkids and supporting their activities kept Carlene busy over the years. She also joined a widow’s support group and made many good friends there. They took many wonderful trips together, including traveling to France and Alaska.
Carlene was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, and her parents, Sallie and Carl Johnson.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Ed) Reasoner and Kim (Steve) Brightwell; grandchildren, Deidra Hunn (Kevin), Brad Reasoner (Kodi), Matt Brightwell and Erin Mossberger (Cory); great-grandchildren, Brendan, Evelyn, Parker, Brooke and Dean; brother, Walt (Lou) Johnson; sister, Mary; and many good friends and neighbors.
Burial was Sept. 3 at Overbrook Cemetery. A memorial service will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, with visitation starting at 4:30 p.m.
Condolences may be left at AmosFamily.com.
