Rebecca Castle Cramer, 72, of Marshall, MO, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at her home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Doyle officiating. Inurnment will follow in Ridge Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter School Foundation which will be earmarked for fiction/non-fiction books for every teacher’s classroom. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Born July 17, 1951, in Marshall, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. Castle and Wilma Jean Dennis Castle. Becky’s education began at St. Peter Catholic School for grades 1-8, Mercy Academy for 9th and 10th grade, and then graduating from Marshall High School in 1969. In May of 1969, Becky met David Cramer, they were engaged in July and married three months later on October 11, 1969. Becky and Dave celebrated over 54 years of marriage. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and its Altar and Rosary Society, enjoyed reading, swimming and solving the New York Times crossword puzzle.
Once their son Justin got older, Becky returned to advancing her education by earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and English Education in 1987. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science and Information Services in 1993 and then an Education Specialist Degree in Human Services/Learning Resources in 2003 both from Central Missouri State University (now UCM). She was a Summa Cum Laude graduate with all her degrees. Becky’s 28 year career with Marshall High School was spent with four years as an English Language Arts teacher from 1987-1991 and then the Library Media Specialist from 1991 until her retirement in 2015.
She was honored to be chosen as Outstanding Teacher of the Year for the Secondary Division, Marshall High School Teacher of the Month and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Becky’s passion was fostering the love of reading in students. She always tried to match students to the “right” book that would lead to them becoming lifelong readers.
Becky and Dave were supportive of each other’s careers and were blessed to have each other to share the setbacks and blessings together. Prior to moving to Marshall in 1983 they lived in Clinton, Richmond, Excelsior Springs and Slater as they followed Dave’s career in banking. One of her greatest blessings in life was getting to be Justin’s mother. She enjoyed being a stay at home mom until he started school and she began her higher education. Watching him learn, grow, experience his milestones from his first words to becoming a father, filled her heart with pride and joy. Being a Nana to Abby and Jesse was another one of her greatest blessings. She cherished her time with them and looked forward to their frequent visits. Living just a block away allowed her to be involved in their daily lives and keep up on their school and extracurricular activities.
In addition to her husband, Dave; she is survived by one son, Dr. Justin Cramer (Brooke); two grandchildren, Abigail Jean Cramer and Jesse David Cramer; one sister, Sharon K. Barlow; one brother, Robert D. Castle (Janell); as well as nieces and nephews.