Shirley Catherine Kramer (nee Hardin), 83, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024. She was born on June 1, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late John and Viola Hardin.
Shirley attended Bayless Schools in St Louis and later married her husband of 64 years, Ted Kramer, in 1960. While raising her three beloved sons, Shirley also ran a daycare in her home, showing her nurturing and caring nature.
In 1975, Shirley embarked on a remarkable career journey at Busch Stadium, where she dedicated 45 years of her life. Starting as a stand employee, she worked her way up to become the Human Resource Manager of Sportservice/Delaware North Company at the stadium. Shirley’s commitment to her work was unwavering, and she cherished the relationships she built with her colleagues over the years. She enjoyed sharing her love of Busch Stadium, and the National Anthem, with her extended family and friends.
Outside of work, Shirley found joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved engaging in various activities with them, such as biking, swimming, and exploring local attractions. Shirley was also a devoted presence at her grandchildren’s school functions and sports events, always cheering them on with pride.
Shirley’s passion for holidays and photography was evident to all who knew her. She captured countless memories through her camera lens, preserving moments with family, friends, and coworkers that will be cherished for generations to come.
Shirley is survived by her three loving sons and their wives, Ted Jr (Barb), Tim (Sherry), and Terry (Janice), as well as her grandchildren whom she adored Chris, Taylor, Paige, Sydney, Adam, and her great grandchildren whom she cherished Jackson, Skylar, Aiden, Peyton, and Amelia.
She is also remembered fondly by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Sue Kramer, and her extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Theodore John “Ted” Kramer, Sr, who passed on December 1, 2023, and her sisters Marjorie Thoele and Susan Deaver.
Shirley was special, and touched the lives of so many. As we sift through the photos she lovingly collected over the years, we will remember how much of a treasure she truly was, how special she made others feel and how much she will be missed by all who know and love her.
Services: A memorial service for Shirley Kramer will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road on Saturday, June 1, 2024. A private family viewing by invitation will take place at 9:00am, followed by a closed casket visitation beginning at 9:30am. The memorial service will commence promptly at 11:00am at Kutis Funeral Home. After the service, there will be a procession to Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri to their Commitment Shelter.
My condolences to the Kramer Family. She was a very special lady. When Shirley came up to the Red Bird Club. Shirley told Rose that my condiments cart was clean. Customers always told Shirley that Rose was always helpful if needed something she would go out of the way to get for the customers. I will really miss you alot. Shirley you are getting reunited with your husband and sister Sue and other employees has passed away
My deep condolences to the Kramer Family. Shirley was always nice to work with and knew everybody’s name. She always worked hard and always had a smile on her face. Rest in Peace Shirley
Shirley hired me at Busch in 1990. I worked there for 30 years and Shirley always was full of energy and had a smile on her face. I enjoyed working with her every game . She was one of my biggest champions and I’ll always remember her as such. She was a wonderful lady the Queen of Bush Stadium .Rest in peace sweet lady.
Remembering Shirley having Cub Scouts
and helped with many boys. She was always cheerful. RIP Shirley.
Our family lived two houses from the Kramers until we moved in 1975. We were fortunate to go to “Pevely,” what amounted to a country club for us on multiple occasions over multiple years. These trips were a great relief from the heat of summer. Our family still plays the card game Nerts that I remember learning down at Pevely. I saw Shirley the night that Lou Brock got his 3,000 hit as the left field bleachers ran out of beer. If you have designated a memorial for donations please let me know. Greetings to Ted, Tim and Terry.
Shirley was a great woman! She was a fantastic mother. As a child I remember her caring for the children in her daycare. She use to make the prettiest desserts! Pevely was a great retreat for us. My condolences to Timmy and Terry.
In todays world work is just work and most people say hi, clock in and move to their stations. We were in line at the time clock when someone told us Shirley had passed away. (Many of us over the years remembered Shirley smiling, saying hello, checking our uniforms, and on occasion correcting us when we needed it. She was always fair to everyone. ) It was a stunned silence in the group. Then Lelia said we need to know the arrangements. Our supervisor agreed to keep us posted and true to his word he sent it out to all our employees. I got it here while visiting in St Cloud Minnesota and wanted to tell you just how much of an icon she was to our employees. We have missed her since she retired but am happy she is now with her husband in heaven.
I worked with Shirley at Busch Stadium from 1985 to 1989 along with my mom, Judy Jones. We hiked the Grand Canyon with Shirley as well as rode in the Moonlight Ramble and went on many float trips. She was a great supervisor and overall wonderful person. Shirley will be greatly missed! My condolences to the rest of the Kramer family.
Our condolences to the Kramer boys. You guys were just kids when my husband, Gary Richards, was racing with your dad and your mom was gracious enough to put up with my husband coming over to the house. Even after we moved to California in 1975, your Mom answered Gary’s phone calls when he called for Ted. Your Dad came out here to visit and go to the Winternationals a couple of times. You lost two wonderful people really close together. Would like to hear from one of you if possible.