Obituary for Martha J. Cramer

Martha J. Cramer, age 97, of Forest, passed away August 19, 2026 surrounded by her family, at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, Ohio. She was born July 13, 1929, to the late Floyd L. and Jessie M. (McKinley) Simpson. Martha married Jack W. Cramer on August 25, 1956, and he preceded her in death on February 2, 2018.

Martha is survived by her children, Kenneth (Francine Murtaugh) Cramer Sr. of Arizona, Eric “Rick” (Cheryl) Cramer of Tiffin, Holly Dyer of Forest: an adopted daughter, Dolores “Dee” Cramer of Findlay; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Martha graduated from Forest High School with the Class of 1947 and went on to earn her teaching degree from Ohio Northern University. She devoted nearly 30 years to teaching third grade in the Forest and Riverdale schools before retiring in 1986. Over the years, Martha touched the lives of countless students and families through her many years in the classroom. She served on the Forest Jackson Public Library board for 35 years. Martha was a member of Forest United Methodist Church.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00AM Tue. Aug. 25, 2026 in Clark Shields Funeral Home with Pastor Christopher Thacker officiating. Interment will follow at Hueston Cemetery, Forest, Ohio. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM Mon. Aug. 24, 2026 at Clark Shields Funeral Home, Forest. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Martha’s name to Forest United Methodist Church or Forest-Jackson Public Library.

In honor of Martha’s many years as a third-grade teacher, those wishing to remember her may also bring school supplies to be donated to Riverdale’s third-grade classes. Donations and school supplies may be given in care of Clark Shields Funeral Home, 301 South Patterson Street, Forest, Ohio 45843. 

Visit www.shieldsfh.com to send a condolence or share a memory.

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