Frances M. Cramer

Frances M. Richards Cramer passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019 in Centralia, Wash., surrounded by family. She was born on July 13, 1935 to Frank and Mary (Walker) Suter in Morton, Wash., and graduated from Morton High School. Frances was married to Edwin T. “Chub” Richards on July 17, 1953 until his death in 1976. Frances worked at a family-owned business, Washington Home Center, in Chehalis, Wash. for many years as an accountant. Previous to that, she worked at Pat Van Eaton Chevrolet. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was most important to her, and she loved hosting large family gatherings for the holidays and cooking an excellent meal for all to enjoy. One of the familly’s best childhood memories was coming home from school and having fresh baked treats on the water heater for our after school snack. Frances was also fond of gardening and decorating for holidays.Frances was an active member of the Washington state bluegrass association and used to be in charge of the kitchen during the winter “jam sessions “. She cherished the many friends she met through bluegrass. She was proud that her grandparents, Joseph and Rosa Suter, immigrated to the U.S. from Dietwil and Gersau, Switzerland. Frances was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her brother, Dick (Rose) Suter and his family; two sons, Lawrence (Debbie) and Rodney (Judy); two daughters, Brenda Holmes (Mark) and Cheryl Richards (Jag); nine grandchildren, Tara, Kelli, Krista, Camren, Kyla, Ryan, Reed, Rob, and Skyler; 16 great grandchildren; and a large extended family. A living celebration of life was held in Frances honor on her 84th birthday, complete with musical entertainment provided by her Washington Bluegrass family.