Vesta Ruth Stolfus Kramer

Vesta Ruth Stolfus Kramer, just shy of her 97 birthday, died Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at an Englewood, Colorado retirement center. There are few people in the world who are born and remain unfailingly good. They don't have to be taught to be kind, responsible and loving. Vesta was one of those people. Her genuine kindness, integrity and unwavering nature endeared her to others. Vesta Kramer was born February 24, 1920, the first daughter of Roy and Gladys Stolfus, Emporia, Kansas. Her early years were spent on the family wheat and dairy farm. She helped with the chores, including cooking for the big groups of threshers every summer. She attended Emporia Teachers College, but she had other aspirations. She moved to Wichita to attend and graduate from St. Francis Hospital Nursing School in 1941. Vesta worked in several positions as a registered nurse in Hutchison, Wichita and Emporia. She met Amos Kramer during her time at Emporia Teachers College and they were married in 1942. Vesta and Amos were both involved in the war effort during WWII. Vesta is survived by two daughters; Susan (Michael) Kucharo, Phoenix, AZ and Lynn Kramer Megaffin, Centennial, CO. She was a committed and dedicated mother. She was the troup Leader for Brownies and Girl Scouts, as well as being involved in PTA and church activities at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita. She believed in putting her heart and soul into everything she did. Her commitment to doing her best, as well as her love, made her the center of the family. Vesta continued to work throughout these years as the nurse supervisor for orthopedic surgery at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. She also brought high standards to her job expecting and supporting excellent care for all of her patients. Vesta and Amos moved to Topeka in 1976 for his position with Kansas Petroleum Council. Vesta became a volunteer for Stormont-Vail Hospital, as well as supporting First Christian Church of Topeka. She was an avid gardener; she especially loved roses, and at one time she had 80 bushes surrounding her home. Vesta wanted to leave a continued reminder to those she loved, so she made many cross-stitched bedcovers, tablecloths and embroidered tea-towels that are all treasured by her family. She was also creative cook, and she was especially known for her effortless pie making. When Amos died in 2001 Vesta moved to Centennial, Colorado to be closer to her daughter, Lynn. She continued to travel, spending many winters in Phoenix with Susan and Michael. In addition to her husband and parents, Vesta is predeceased by her brother Lee R. Stolfus Jr. and James C. Stolfus, both of Emporia. She is survived by sister Carol Cave, Montrose, CO. Vesta left us a legacy of love for family and concern for others, and a lifelong model of values. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11 AM, Roberts-Blue-Barnett-Funeral Home, Emporia, KS, conducted by Reverend Dr. James McCollough. Interment will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday morning at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Kansas Food Bank's Bob Box program. The Bob Box program, endorsed by former Kansas Senator Bob Dole, is designed to help seniors who experience food insecurity. Bob Box is a hand up which provides a safety net to seniors who would go without before asking for help. 1919 E Douglas, Wichita KS 67211. Please share your memories of Vesta and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.