On the Cusp of 102

Born July 10, 1923, in Iowa, Doris (Miller) Kramer, 101, moved to Pennsylvania when she was 14 and then to Canada when her husband, Raymond, became a pastor in St. Jacobs, Ontario, in 1958. She was widowed in 1962. Doris raised seven children, did social work, became the first woman to serve on the Mennonite Mission Board and has attended St. Jacobs Mennonite Church for nearly 70 years.

4 July 2025|Life in the 100s|Volume 29 Issue 07

Susan Fish, Associate Editor

Photo: Susan Fish

What is your earliest memory of church?

I liked going to church because I got to go to town, and my cousins were there. I was always so proud when my little German grandpa would speak to us in assembly, in Sunday school. We studied our lesson and had memory verses and picture cards.

What is your best memory of church?

After Raymond died, the church gave me the privilege of staying in the parsonage for a year. The church helped me build a house up the hill. It was perfect for us. They really were the church being the church. I’ve always felt very loved by this church.

When I was told I had cancer in 1981, I cried all day. I called the pastor and said I wanted to be anointed on a Sunday morning, and Richard Yordy said he was just waiting for me to ask. They were all my spiritual family. After the anointing, they made a big circle all the way around the church, and they surrounded me. That was a very meaningful time. And I got well!

What is your most difficult memory of church?

The revival meetings in Pennsylvania. I was so scared. I went forward every single night. Hellfire was so real. We went every night for over a week.
One of my most embarrassing experiences was when I was in high school, and I went to a revival meeting on a date. I was always very conscientious, over-sensitive. The evangelist had everyone stand and said, “If you know for sure tonight that if you should die or Jesus should come that you’d go to heaven, sit down.” I was the only one left standing. If I lied, I might die on the spot.

Who has influenced you the most?

My parents and my children. My children have made me change in many ways and take a different look at things.

What book or Bible passage or song has been the most meaningful?

I have a singing family. When our family gets together, we always sing, “Joyful, joyful we adore thee” and “For the beauty of the earth.”

What do younger people not understand about old age?

I don’t think any of us understand something until we’ve experienced it. You can’t even understand old age when you’re older. I got a letter from my grandson today. I think he understands I’m still interested in my grandchildren’s lives.

What do you wish someone had told you about old age?

Take it as it comes. I would have thought I wouldn’t want to take oxygen, but it’s so pleasant.

What’s the hardest thing about getting older?

Sometimes I feel like I’m 202! But the hardest thing is having to be dependent and not be in control.

What’s the best thing about getting older?

That my daughter Phyllis is here with me. I could not be at home if it weren’t for Phyllis. I have a lot more liberties here. She moved in with me four years ago. I have a very caring family. I don’t get all the credit, but it makes me feel I did something right.

If you could preach one sermon, what would it be about?

The love of God. I’m a great believer in love.

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