05/27/2023
Carolyn Blue Kramer
October 23, 1934 – May 20, 2023
On the afternoon of May 20, our loving mother and grandmother went to her Heavenly Home at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her family in her home of 23 years. This wasn’t just any home. It was the home her grandfather, Dr. Lancaster, built – the home where she and the love of her life, Bobby, were married in August of 1953. Bobby passed away in June of 2017, leaving Carolyn heartbroken. Without a doubt, she and Bobby are reunited in their Heavenly Home with their Lord and Savior. We know she can see and hear and is no longer in pain, but our tears still fall. We love you, Mom, Nanny, and Mrs. Kramer. Thank you for your love, guidance, and, most of all, your constant prayers. When asked what she was doing, Carolyn often said, “Just talkin’ to the Lord.”
Carolyn was born on October 23, 1934, to Ben and Virginia Blue in Cherokee, Oklahoma. She was born with a caring soul that she shared with the world, a deep love of animals, and a steadfast loyalty to her friends and family. Although she spent much time in Cherokee, she graduated from Guymon High School. Carolyn and Bobby raised a son, Kerry and daughters, Robyn and Kim, and several amazing dogs and cats.
In 1971, Carolyn graduated from Panhandle State in Goodwell, Oklahoma, with an English and Library Science degree. Carolyn was a devoted educator for the students at Balko Public School and later Cherokee Public School. She was an excellent English teacher with a genuine love for literature. She was also a librarian who shared her knowledge of books, especially the classics. Her infamous stubborn streak inspired her students. She refused to give up on them no matter the struggle and continued those relationships far beyond the school years. Carolyn was authentically and wholeheartedly there for her family, friends, and students.
God blessed Carolyn with such loving caregivers other than her children and grandchildren. Four incredible ladies cared for her when family members could not be with her. Pat Douglas, Kelli Spade, Hally Guffy, and Debbie Highfill helped Carolyn get her wish. She wanted to live the rest of her life in her home, her safe place. Thank you, and God Bless all these caregivers and the devoted Hospice caregivers for their loving service to our mother.
Carolyn’s eyesight had failed, and she could no longer read. However, she became a pro at a word game on her iPad. Caregivers and family members would find her spending endless hours playing that game in the library, her favorite room in her house.
Carolyn is survived by her son, Kerry (Diahann) Kramer and their sons, Sean (Angela) Kramer and Brett (Jenna) Kramer; her daughter, Robyn (Randy) Turney and their daughters, Tasha (Adam) Diesselhorst and Tana (Cody) Gragg, and her daughter, Kim (Steve) Barth and children, Taylor (Derek) Schiedel, Hannah (Jeff) Hamilton, Brennon Barth, and BrynnEllen Barth. Nanny, as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, had eight great-grandchildren – Jack Kramer, Kramer and Randi Gragg, Claire, James, and Ellis Schiedel, and Brody and Josie Hamilton; her brother, Ken Blue and his three daughters, Sierra (Ben) Symonette, Virginia (Adam) Ramirez, and Hannabah (Bean).
The celebration of Carolyn’s life is Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.at the First Baptist Church in Cherokee.
Memorials may be given to Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children through the funeral home. In true Carolyn style, in honor of her memory, send a special gift or letter of appreciation to an educator of your choice who touches lives as she did.
Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc of Cherokee. Viewing will be at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. www.lanmanmemorials.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.
