Shirley Ann Cramer

Shirley Ann Cramer Ruggiero peacefully passed away on April 7, 2026, in Ravenna, Ohio, at the age of 89.

She was born on March 3, 1937 to the late Joseph Cramer and Lottie Polski Lokun. Shirley lived a life marked by resilience, humor, deep faith, and unwavering love for her family. Though life brought both joy and heartbreak, she remained strong through it all and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Shirley graduated from Southeast High School near Ravenna before attending Bohecker’s Business College, where she earned her associate’s degree. It was there that she met Victor Ruggiero, a Navy veteran from West Virginia. Together they built a family and shared many important years raising their children and creating lasting memories.

Shirley spent many years working in restaurant management and hotel administration. She was known for her vibrant personality, sharp wit, occasional sarcasm, and caring nature. She had a way of making people laugh while also making them feel supported during difficult times. Beneath her strong personality was a woman who quietly helped many people throughout her life.

Family was always at the center of Shirley’s world. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who deeply loved her children and grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with family, hearing about their lives, and celebrating their accomplishments. She carried enormous pride for the people they became and loved them fiercely through every stage of life.

Shirley also endured tremendous loss, including outliving four of her six children, a heartbreak no parent should ever have to experience. Even through grief, she continued to move forward with strength, faith, and love for those still around her.

Outside of family, Shirley found peace in nature and the outdoors. She loved what she often called “God’s beautiful creations” and especially enjoyed camping trips with her children and the many tag-along friends who often became part of the family themselves.

Her Catholic faith remained important throughout her life and became a source of comfort and strength during difficult times. Her family finds peace in believing she has now been reunited with loved ones who passed before her and is resting peacefully in God’s eternal grace.

Per Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no calling hours.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by beloved children, Judith Ruggiero Duffey, Deborah Ruggiero, Barbara Ruggiero and Michael Ruggiero; sister Dorothy Stokes; half-brother Jerry Cramer, and other cherished family members.

She is survived by her loving family, daughters, Catherine and Patricia Ruggiero; grandchildren, Sean Duffey, Georgia Angeline Hess, David Ruggiero and Josh Larlham; great-grandchildren, Benjiman, Adley and Amelia Ruggiero, Sean, Summer, Chandler and Franco Larlham; nieces, nephews, many other Ruggiero family members and dear friends who will continue carrying her memory forward through stories, traditions, laughter, and love.

The family asks that Shirley be remembered not only in mourning, but through simple acts of kindness, love for family, and appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation.

Though her absence leaves a tremendous void, her spirit, humor, strength, and love will remain with those who knew and loved her.

Cremation services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.