Obituary of Erma Ellen Belden

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ERMA E. BELDEN Erma Ellen (Sperry) Belden was born July 26, 1917, on the family farm north of Edmond, Kansas, to Alvah and Atha (Markham) Sperry. When Erma was three, her mother died forcing the family to move into Edmond with Alvah's parents, Zachariah and Sarah Sperry. Erma attended Edmond grade and high schools, graduating with the class of 1935. She then attended normal training in Norton and began teaching in the country school. On April 3, 1937, she married Merle Belden. They were the parents of three children, Wayne, Karen, and Virginia. They made their home in Denver for a short time and on farms in the area before moving to the farm where Erma was born. She continued to teach in the country school until they moved into Edmond in 1947. She worked as a cook at the Edmond school and in the local grocery store, made angel food cakes, ironed for others, put permanents in neighbors' hair, and cared for her aging father until his death. Hard work was Erma's way of life. In 1958, she was hired as the Edmond Postmaster and served for 30 years, retiring at age 70. She loved her work and always felt fortunate to have had the job. In 1994, Erma and Merle moved to Norton. Merle died in 1995. Erma continued to make her home in Norton until she moved to Salina in 2013, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Since June of 2014, she had lived at the Hanover Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed Unit in Hanover, Kansas. Erma was baptized in the Solomon River south of Edmond and was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Edmond. She transferred her membership to the First United Methodist Church in Norton when the Edmond church closed. Erma taught Sunday school, was a member of the Ladies Missionary Group, and served many funeral dinners. She and Merle were on the Edmond Cemetery Board for years. She was a member of the Thimble Club and frequently helped at elections. Erma was a wonderful cook, especially known for her coconut cream pies. When family came to visit, she spent days in the kitchen making sure everyone was well fed. She delighted in spending time with her family and growing beautiful floweres. Erma had a generous heart and was always helping those less fortunate. Erma died February 4, 2015, at the Hanover Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Lawrence and Ivan, husband, Merle, daughter-in-law, Erma "Tiny" Belden, and great-grandaughter, Morgan Pratt. She is survived by her children, Wayne Belden (Vi) of Norton; Karen Pratt (Bill) of Salina; and Virginia Minge (Mike) of Hanover; grandchildren, Karla Reed (Anthony Pfeifer), Kelly Belden, Diana Smith (Doug), Bill Pratt, Jr. (Sharon Sims), Amy Coufal (Marty), Bryan Minge (Tami), Steven Meier (Brenda), Curtis Meier (Deb); great-grandchildren, Brandon Reed, Mandi Pratt, Liam Smith, Taton Smith, Cora Coufal, Jeron Coufal, Mason Minge, Madelyn Minge; great-great-grandchild, Kyli Reed; many nieces, nephews, and friends. FUNERAL SERVICE – Monday, February 9, 2015—10:30 AM PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main – Norton, KS INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, KS MEMORIALS – First United Methodist Church in Norton Hanover Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed Unit VISITATION – Sunday, February 8, 2015—2:00 PM until 5:00 PM