(4-14-26) A tragic murder took place in Ansonia.

Fire personnel arrived on the scene to find the house engulfed in fire.  During firefighting operations fire personnel discovered the body of a deceased adult female, Ericka Kramer, inside the house. 

Related: DARKE COUNTY FIRE & HOMICIDE RESULTS IN ARREST

Darke County Detectives arrested Peyton W. Beam of rural Ansonia, OH in connection with this homicide and fire.

Obituary

Ericka Michele Kramer

January 15, 1976 — April 10, 2026

Ansonia, Ohio

Ericka Michele Kramer, age 50, of Ansonia, Ohio, passed away on April 10, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on January 15, 1976, in Union City, Indiana, to Pamela (Bothast) Monk and the late Michael Monk.

In addition to her father, Ericka was preceded in death by her loving husband David W. Kramer, whom she married on June 16, 2001 and who passed away on July 16, 2022.

She will be loved and missed by her daughter, Abigail Kramer of Ansonia; her mother, Pamela Monk; her stepchildren, Denise (Renell Capati) Kramer of Beavercreek, Ohio, Ashley (Anthony) Stonerock of Greenville, Kristen (Kyle) Evans of Greenville, Lindsay (Matthew Hoggatt) Kramer of Union City, Ohio, and Kari (Kent) Holmes of Greenville; her grandchildren, Jadynn Kramer, Gavin, Rowan and Rhen Stonerock, Kelton, Oliver and Trevor Evans, Benjamin Stone, Rayna, Jaxon and Collin Hoggatt, and Evelyn, Gabriel and Renee Holmes; her siblings, Amanda (Eugene) Angel of Muncie, Indiana, Michael Brandon Monk of Winchester, Indiana, Misty (Keith) Mote of Muncie, Indiana, Sarah Brooke Monk of Winchester, Indiana, and Jeremy (Rhonda) Collings of Mobile, Alabama; her special aunt, Cathie (Ed) Schafer of Winchester, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews and beloved friends.

Ericka shared an extraordinary and unbreakable bond with her daughter, Abigail, a love so deep that it defined her entire world. Everything she did was rooted in that connection, and the joy she found in being a mother shone through in every part of her life.

She gave so much of herself to others, especially through her years with Ansonia Schools, where she served as a devoted cheer coach. She didn’t just coach; she uplifted, encouraged, and inspired the young people she worked with, leaving a lasting impression on so many hearts.

Ericka will be remembered for her boundless kindness and selflessness. She was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back without hesitation, always putting others before herself. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine spirit made the world a better place, and words truly fall short in capturing just how remarkable she was.

A graduate of Union City High School, Class of 1994, Ericka carried her strong values with her throughout her life. She owned, operated, and worked tirelessly on her farm, embodying resilience, dedication, and an unwavering work ethic.

Ericka’s love, strength, and beautiful spirit will live on in all who knew her, and especially in the heart of her beloved daughter.

Guests may visit with Ericka’s family on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the start of the service at 3:00 PM at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.

A celebration of Ericka’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Brown officiating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in Burkettsville. 

The family encourages memories and online condolences to be shared at www.tributefuneralhomes.com.