Obituary of Betty Jane Kramer

LEXINGTON: Betty Jane Kramer, age 90, widow of Nicholas A. Kramer, passed away peacefully in her home on June 4, 2013. Her family, including Sarge, her beloved Boston Terrier, was at her side. Betty was born in Louisburg, Kansas and raised in southern California. There she met her late husband Nick of 67 years during WWII. At that time, Betty was a beautician at the Hilton Hotel in Long Beach, California. After she married, she stayed home to raise her three daughters while her husband traveled with the Marines. In the 1960's in San Jose, California, Betty founded a volunteer organization, "Handicapables", dedicated to encouraging and facilitating socialization of individuals with special needs. Betty was also an active volunteer in her church, working with the ladies guild as a seamstress of priest and altar garments. After retiring in Lexington, South Carolina, she continued volunteering as an instructor for Seniorcize at the Leisure Center in West Columbia for over 15 years. She made many treasured friends at the center. Betty was active throughout her life, enjoying such activities as bowling, square dancing, tennis, skating, swimming, painting and ceramics. Betty is survived by her daughters, Nicki Harvey (Val) of Clemson, Jannine Kramer (Victor Figari) of Lima, Peru and Leeana Jacobsen (Peter) of Ukiah, CA; grandchildren Kim Haynes (Darin), Nicolas and Sebastian Figari, Scott Jacobsen; great grandchildren Morgan and Abigail Haynes; and nieces and nephews. The family would like to recognize the invaluable assistance of Margean Davoll, Drs. Mattox and McLaughlin and the Lutheran Hospice during Betty's recent illness. A graveside service will be held for Betty at 12 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2013 at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. As per Betty's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY, 10545-0317. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia is assisting the family.