Erma Ruth Nitcher

Erma Ruth Nitcher was born June 20, 1908, at Westboro, in Atchison County, Missouri. She was the daughter of John Ray and Inez E. (Rouse) Lefforge. In 1939, Erma moved to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas. In the late 1940's, she moved to the Santa Monica and San Fernando Valley areas in California, and, in the late 1960's, not long before Archie died, she moved back to Ottawa, where she made her home until her death Saturday, February 1, 2003, at the age of ninety-four years. She graduated from Westboro High School with the class of 1926. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Ottawa. Erma was a lifelong homemaker, who enjoyed her many homemaking skills. She especially liked to crochet and created many lovely items. She was an accomplished pianist, playing since the young age of five. She played the piano for church in Westboro, the Senior Club and, later, at the Senior Center in Ottawa. She also enjoyed playing her favorite board game, Aggravation, at the Senior Center, while visiting with her many friends. In her younger days, Erma loved caring for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens and was an avid bird watcher. On August 5, 1949, Erma was united in marriage with Archie West at Las Vegas, Nevada. He preceded her in death May 23, 1970. She was united in marriage with Cleo E. Nitcher on August 15, 1980, at Wellsville, Kansas. He preceded her in death October 20, 1995. She is also preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Emmet Ross Lefforge; an infant brother; sister, Ida Fae Hutt; and, nephew, Clifford Shankel. She is survived by her nephew, Max Lefforge and his wife, Pam, of Danville, Illinois; two nieces, Beverly Ann Ingmire and her husband, Roy, of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Mary Ruth Hubbard and her husband, Norman, of Tucson, Arizona; several great nieces and nephews; and, special friends, Jim and Janice Coombes of Ottawa. SERVICES: Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at Hope Cemetery in Ottawa. OFFICIANT: Pastor Clyde Greisen. IN STATE: Mrs. Nitcher will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, where family and friends will meet at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday for visitation, then process to Hope Cemetery for graveside services at 2:00 p.m. CEMETERY: Hope Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ottawa Senior Center, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.