Virginia Ruth Kracker, 100, passed to the “other side” on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015.
She was the last of four children born to John Lee and Minnie Agnes Boyd, in Massillon, Ohio, on Sept. 26, 1915. Her siblings were Caroline, John, and Myron Boyd.
Her marriage to Henry Frank Kracker took place in 1936 and they were blessed with 62 years together. Following Hank’s retirement, they lived in Florida for 30 years. Hank died in 1998 at the age of 87, and Virginia moved to Mansfield in 2006, last residing at Wedgewood Estates.
Virginia ran the Kracker family show quite well. She loved music and played piano “by ear.” She also sang in a barbershop quartet, The Melo-Dears, for many years. She was active in her children’s school activities, and truly loved and was awed by the beauty of nature. With few exceptions, she chose to stay home during her children’s school years. This was followed by various retail sales jobs. When in her 70’s, she decided to take up Reflexology and had many senior customers in Florida.
She is survived by her children, Tom Kracker, of Mansfield, Dave (Diane) Kracker, of Mansfield, John Kracker, of Reading, Pennsylvania, Julia (John) Donnelly, of Drexel Hill, Pennsylania; grandchildren, including Tom (Sheila) Kracker, of Norwood, Massachusetts, Joanie Kracker, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Gary Kracker, of Chardon, Ohio, Heidi Kracker, of Cortland, Ohio, Ann (Jim) Wadding, of Walkersville, Maryland, David (Allison) Kracker, of Western Springs, Illinois, Jill Bradley, Kelly and Kacie Donnelly, of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania; Step-Grandson Stephen (Erika) Risser, of Mansfield, Ohio; Great Grandchildren, including Matthew and Julia Wadding, Peri, Patrick, Declan, and Taggart Kracker (David), Matthew Bradley, and Jaxxon Shultz, Lauren and Liam Risser.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by twin great granddaughters, Jessica and Megan Wadding.
The family wishes to thank the staff at The Waterford Independent Living, Wedgewood Estates Assisted Living, and Crestwood Care Center for nine years of care. A special thanks to Dorothy Spence, long-term caregiver at The Waterford.
A memorial service takes place Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The family will receive friends at 2 p.m. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 3552, Mansfield, Ohio, 44907 or St. Mary’s Church Choir, 206 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, Ohio, 44646.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
