Ritchie, Erma (McWilliams)

RITCHIE, MCWILLIAMS, FLOERCHINGER

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2005 at 17:32:02

Funeral services for Erma Ritchie, 79, of Pella were held November 2 at the Pella Church of the Nazarene in Pella, the Rev. Warren Lukens, Rev. Homer Max, and Dr. Forrest Whitlatch officiated. Music was provided by Linda Litwiller, organist and special music by Rick Van Gorp, soloist.

Interment was at the Sixteen Cemetery, north of What Cheer, Iowa. Casket bearers were Doug McWilliams, Darin McWilliams, Bill Anksorus, Jr., Barry Anksorus, Kevin Furneau, and Don De Vore.

Erma Eilene, the daughter of Alva "Bunk" McWilliams and Inez Floerchinger McWilliams, was born April 4, 1923 in Guernsey, Iowa. Erma graduated from high school in Deep River, Iowa.

On September 22, 1940, Erma was united in marriage with Adam Allen Ritchie in Deep River. To this union four children were born: Sam, Dan, Sandra, and Stevie.

Erma enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, canning, gardening, shopping, doing handwork, and Bible studies. The joys of her life were her family, friends, and serving the Lord. Since 1987, Erma had resided in Pella where she was an active member of the Pella Church of the Nazarene, the Church Board, and Women's Ministry. Erma also belonged to "The In Group" and Pella Friend's Supper Club. She had worked for the Christian Opportunity Center and cleaned houses/offices for the past fifteen years.

Erma passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at the age of 79 years, six months, and 25 days.

She is survived by three children and their spouses: Sam and Irene Ritchie of Richland, Dan and Nancy Ritchie of Carlisle, and Sandra Kaye Shalin of Pella; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; a brother: Dick McWilliams and his wife, Sandra of Deep River; and a sister: Collene Anksorus and her husband, Bill of Marshalltown.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Alva and Inez McWilliams; her son: Stevie; and a son-in-law, Gene Shalin.

Arrangements were handled by Garden Chapel in Pella.

Memorials may be made to the Pella Church of the Nazarene.

The Pella Chronicle, November 15, 2002