Ruth Leslein Kramer, 94, of Durango, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, with family by her side. Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Egelhof, Siegert, and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road. Visitation will also be held Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 at Sherrill United Church of Christ, followed by a funeral service at 10:30am. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Ruth was born January 4, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Leah (Landgraf) Preston. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and later attended the University of Dubuque. Always a few inches taller and a step ahead of the rest, she played basketball at both schools.

On September 24, 1949, Ruth married Lawrence Leslein, and they lived happily together until he preceded her in death on March 15, 2000. She then married Robert Kramer in November 2001, and they shared life together until his passing on February 13, 2020.

Ruth worked as a proud homemaker, and prepared taxes for many years; the tapping of an adding machine was a common sound in her home. She was an excellent seamstress and an avid crafter – if you could imagine it, she could create it out of plastic canvas and yarn. Ruth enjoyed gardening, harvesting enough fresh vegetables to fill the cellar and was exceptionally proud of her hillside full of yuccas. She loved putting together jigsaw puzzles, especially when joined by one of “the kids”.  Above all else, family was Ruth’s passion and prized possession in this life. Her devotion was to her family and she loved every member of her given and chosen family unconditionally and without fail. She never hesitated to put others before herself, and from a young age was always taking care of someone.  This continued with her fellow residents at Bethany Home. She always had a snack to give and she lovingly packed countless honey bear containers full of apple schnitzels, for all “the kids”, Grandma’s little treat.

Ruth is survived by her children: Ruthann Schaumburg of West Plains, MO; Gayle (Joe) Rohn of Yuma, AZ; Ron (Sheri) Leslein of Belfry, MT; Chris (Steve) Veach of Durango, IA: John (Peggy) Leslein of West Plains, MO: and daughter in law Linda Leslein of Durango, IA. She is also survived by her step children: Susan Fenderson, Sherri (Mark) Schack, Bradley (Sara) Kramer, and Kent (Amy) Kramer; a step daughter in law Kathy Kramer; and many, many grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Larry Leslein; grandson, Zachary Veach; son in law, Don Schaumburg; grandson in law Mark Walker; step son, Mark Kramer; and siblings Richard Preston, Faye DeWall, and Chuck Preston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque, or Sherrill United Church of Christ.

The family would like to thank everyone at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for the compassion and care given to Ruth.