Dianne Worth Cramer

She was a devoted follower of Christ, a loving wife and widow, nurturing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and a friend to many.

Donnie grew up in McMinnville, Oregon, as the youngest of three children. At age eight, while outside enjoying the sunlight, she came to believe in God as she experienced his presence. She asked a neighboring family to take her to church and committed her life to Christ’s service. Studying and implementing the Bible's teachings were daily and cherished passions, and she led a vibrant prayer life.

How vibrant? Well, she prayed over just about everything. It was impossible to spend more than a few minutes with her without appreciating her faith in God. She believed her mission was to serve others for his glory. Nothing was more important to her than her faith in God through Jesus Christ.

Donnie excelled in elementary and high school in Oregon and graduated from Stanford University in 1949. While at Stanford, she met the love of her life, Edward T. Cramer of San Diego. After graduation, she obtained a teaching credential and married Ed in Palo Alto on March 26, 1950. Through 2008 when Ed passed away, their 58-year marriage was an upward calling to all who knew them.

Donnie taught English at Grossmont High school until the birth of her first child. Together, Donnie and Ed had eight children, Tyler W., Edward B. (deceased), Dr. Sheryl O., Dr. Henry B. II, Edward R. (Ted), Thomas C., Christopher W., and Dr. S. Naomi Cramer Overton. While Ed passed away in 2008, Donnie is survived by seven children, their six spouses, 16 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Following the birth of children, Donnie pivoted to being an incredible mother and a life of giving and service to others, mostly through her church affiliations. Since 1958 she attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Point Loma, where she served in numerous capacities, including the role of Elder.

While Donnie and Ed financially supported many local and international non-governmental organizations, they also volunteered much of their time serving the poor. Together, they served causes not only in the US but also in Mexico, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Mozambique, Kenya, and elsewhere. Most notable among these efforts, in 1980, they and Westminster sponsored the immigration of the 11-member Southivong family, refugees from war-torn Laos. From the Southivong's arrival until her death, Donnie provided spiritual, emotional, and financial support and considered them her second family.

Donnie was a lifelong learner and voracious reader and took many extension courses at UC San Diego, the University of San Diego, and Stanford University. She also authored a well-received book, No Need to Panic, which chronicled the many challenges she had overcome through her faith and trust in God.

Donnie drove until age 90, walked daily, and regularly performed calisthenics and stretching exercises on her porch overlooking San Diego Bay (usually after standing at attention for the 8:00 A.M. Star-Spangled banner played at local military bases). She maintained a pace that sometimes wore out her children, grandchildren, and numerous friends. Still, she managed to stay intimately connected with each of them, reminding them daily that “The risking is the winning” in carrying out God’s love.

Paraphrasing 2 Timothy 4:7, Donnie fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. A Service to celebrate her life is set for 3:00 P.M. Saturday, July 16, at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego, 92107.

Details for the Celebration of Life can be found at https://bit.ly/BelovedDonnie

Dianne Cramer Obituary (2022) - San Diego, CA - San Diego Union-Tribune (legacy.com)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beardsleymitchell.com for the Cramer family.