Murllene M. (Moorhead) Kramer

Murllene M. Kramer, 87, of Chillicothe, IL, formerly of Metamora, IL, passed away at 5:25 pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the Arc at Chillicothe.

She was born on December 23, 1937, in Berlin, OK, to John Robert and Rosella (Valentine) Moorhead. She moved with her family to Elk City, OK. Murllene graduated from Elk City High School before she attended Oklahoma Baptist University where she received her B.S. degree in speech and a minor in business in 1960. She met and later married Delbert L. Kramer on June 18, 1960 in Elk City, OK when he proposed in his corvette convertible with the top down on one of their many travels together. She later attended Bradley University where she received her elementary education certification.

Together, Murllene and Del followed Del's military career to Goose Bay, Labrador and New Finlad, Canada where she was a secretary for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. She later worked at Midstate College where she was a typing instructor. She often laughed how she came to work one day and her room was painted orange and how very much she disliked orange. She then went on to teach kindergarten in Germantown Hills until her dreams of motherhood came true through adoption and she began the journey of staying at home to raise her family.

Murllene enjoyed quilting, connecting with people through Mary Kay cosmetics, being a member of the Woodford County Historical Society, Metamora Women's Club where she was once named Woman of the Year, served on the Metamora Park District and even compiled several books on the history of Metamora. For years her voice could be heard hosting the Metamora Concert in the Park where she would be seen with her smile and basket handing out music schedules. While visiting her home state of Oklahoma she enjoyed traveling to rodeos for barrel racing. She loved to travel, especially in the fall to see the leaves and covered bridges. Family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren which lovingly referred to her as Mimi. Her love and laughter will be missed dearly.

Surviving are her son, Kurt (Kathryn Halleen) Kramer of Elk City, OK; daughter, Kayllene Clymer of Peoria, IL; and grandchildren, Haley Kramer, and Oliver and Keatyn Clymer. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister, Wanda Hall.

Murllene was a member of Dayton Avenue Baptist Church and would also attend services with her family at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria, IL.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Whinery Funeral Service in Elk City, OK. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Fairlawn Cemetery in Elk City, OK. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Concordia Lutheran School, 2000 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Concordia Lutheran School
2000 West Glen Avenue, Peoria IL 61614