Erma Pearson

Erma Pearson: 12-20-26 - 8-17-12 Erma Pearson was born to farm family as Erma Archibald, December 20, 1926, in Trenton, Utah. She died August 17, 2012, in her home in Nampa, Idaho. She was 85-years old. Erma moved with her family to Buhl, Idaho, in 1937, where she met and married Beauford Kenneth Pearson, a farmer from Nebraska, July 31, 1943. Their marriage had humble beginnings. The couple's first home was a remodeled chicken coop, just big enough for the two of them. Pregnant with the first of her 13 children, Erma was first separated from "Butch," When he enlisted in the Army and fought in World War II. On his return, the family began to grow and roam the farmland of the Magic Valley. They moved around from farm to farm, working the land and raising a strong family, built by hard times and strong backs. Erma grew meticulous gardens and was a noted baker. Her apple dumplings filled the mouths of the generations she mothered. In 1977, the couple bought a home on Lakeshore Drive in Nampa. Shortly after, Erma was separated for a second time from Butch, who died August 21, 1978. For the past three decades, Erma ran her household at the edge of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Lowell. She kept her home immaculate, and was still doing laundry and baking in the months leading to her death. Erma used her creative energies to crochet ornate afghans, dolls, doilies, and myriad other projects for her friends and family. Pieces of her work can be found in all our houses. Erma spent years working as a seamstress. She had rooms filled with scrap material. Her strong hands pieced together blankets for each of her grandchildren, in colors and patterns assigned for each. Erma will be remembered for the warmth she shared, her staunch attitude and gentle love, her great collection of offspring and the serenity in which she passed. Erma is survived by sisters Rhea and Wilma, and 11 of her children: Gwendolyn, Marjorie, Barbara, Kenneth, Calvin, Sandra, Kathy, Patricia, Michael, Donald, And Gayline; who produced more than 40 born or adopted grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Beauford, her brother Donald, her sister Cleo and her daughters, Nadine and Pauline, two grand children, Jason and Paul, and two great grandchildren, Ian and Kaitlin. Erma's visitation is Tuesday, August 21, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home Wendell - Gooding Chapel, 380 First Ave. East in Wendell, ID. Her service will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 334 4th Ave. West in Gooding, ID. A family viewing begins an hour before the service at the church. The host will proceed to Elmwood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. After the service, a potluck will be held at the park in Gooding. A daylong family celebration will also be held August 26, 2012 at her home at 10382 Lakeshore Drive, in Nampa. Family members are welcome to visit and share memories on a website built for her at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.