Erma A Ray

Erma Alma Ray, 93, formerly of Elm Creek, died peacefully Sunday March 25, 2018 at Chaplaincy Hospice House in Kennewick, Washington. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday April 14, 2018 at the Elm Creek United Methodist Church. The Reverend Douglas Gahn will officiate. Interment will follow at the Elm Creek Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Erma was born August 23, 1924 in Farnam, Nebraska to Albert and Martha (Yeutter) Schurr. She grew up on farms in the Eustis, and Cozad areas, and was a 1942 graduate of Lexington High School. Following graduation she worked for Stuart’s Pharmacy in Lexington. While living in Lexington, she was a part of the local effort to provide food, and treats to the troops, whose train would stop en route to their training bases. On October 21, 1951, Erma was united in marriage to Wilbur T. Ray in Cozad, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Elm Creek. Erma worked part time bookkeeping for plumbing and heating contractors in Elm Creek, and also developed and managed a trailer court, as well as rental properties in Elm Creek. She enjoyed gardening, and cooking for her family. Erma will also be remembered for her ability to hand sew and embroider. Like most Nebraskans, she had a passion for the Cornhusker football team, and she also enjoyed watching or listening on the radio to a good college basketball game, or major league baseball game. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, and always loved following her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s activities. She was a longtime member of the Elm Creek United Methodist Church. After living the majority of her life in Nebraska, Erma moved to Idaho, and subsequently to Washington, to be closer to Howard, Cheryl, and their family. Survivors include her son Howard and wife Cheryl of Kennewick, Washington; Brother Orville Schurr of Rockford Illinois; Sister Ruth Carlson of Gothenburg, son-in-law Dennis Schutz of Brighton, Colorado; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Sara (David), Evan and Kaylee Holder of Thornton, CO; Jonathan Schutz, Longmont, CO; Lindsey (Tracy), Madison, and McKinley Howard of West Richland, WA; Kristin (Joe), Weston, and Emmett Dvorak, of Marysville, WA; and Brandon Ray of Lewiston ID. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wilbur, Brother Lloyd Schurr, and her daughter Sharon Schutz. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to Chaplaincy Hospice Care in Kennewick, Washington or a Hospice of your choice. These organizations and their staff are truly a blessing, and continued support is always welcomed.

Erma A Ray

August 23, 1924 - March 25, 2018