Eleanor Beyer Kramps, 86,
Devoted To Her Family and Community

Eleanor Beyer Kramps, a longtime resident of Scotch Plains, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She was 86 years old.

Born in Newark and raised in Union, Eleanor, known to most as “Ellie,” graduated from Union High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Business from Cedar Crest College in 1959.

Ellie first worked for her father’s company, Unique Wire Weaving, in Hillside. She then worked as an Executive Secretary at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, where she knew and supported some of the most famous scientists and executives from that time period. Ellie eventually dedicated her life to her family and community, living first in Plainfield and then settling in Scotch Plains in 1967.

Ellie was an amazingly organized and competent person, and well known for her volunteer activities. She was a longtime member of the Fanwood Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, Trustee, teacher and President of the Women’s Association. She also served as a Trustee and President of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Scholarship Foundation for many years.

Ellie began volunteering in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district, and served as PTA President for Coles, Terrill and the high school, as well as PTA Council President. She was the SPFHS Music Booster President and served on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education. Later in her volunteer career, she and her husband, Fred, were Co-Presidents of the New Jersey Naval Academy Parents Club.

In 1993, Ellie was honored to be named Volunteer of the Year for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, and in 1997, she received a Certificate of Recognition from Congressman Bob Franks for outstanding and invaluable service to the community. In 1998, she received the Distinguished Service to Education Award presented by the Scotch Plains Fanwood Educational Enrichment Foundation.

Ellie loved and was devoted to her family, and had great pride and enjoyment in her children and grandchildren. She had a wonderful way of making her friends and family feel special. She was a very forgiving person, who never held a grudge against anyone. Ellie is survived by her daughter, Heidi Kramps Fox (and her husband, Larry); her son, Retired Commander Ronald Kramps, U.S. Navy (and his wife, Kelley), and six beloved grandchildren, Lauren (and her husband, Victor Kabala), Emma and Alex Fox, and Katie, Calvin and Joshua Kramps.

Ellie was predeceased by her husband, Manfred “Fred” Kramps; her parents, Henry Beyer and Edna Rosko Beyer; her brother, Howard Beyer; sister-in-law, Dorothy Beyer; and brother-in-law, George King. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marian King, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews who were dearly loved.

Visitation was to be held on Wednesday, February 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Avenue, Fanwood. A service will take place today, Thursday, February 13, at 10 a.m., at the Fanwood Presbyterian Church, 74 S Martine Avenue, Fanwood. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

February 13, 2025