Graveside services for Erma M. Fisher, 85, Lawrence, will be at 1 pm Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Valerie Miller-Coleman officiating. Social distancing and masking will be observed. Mrs. Fisher died Monday, November 23, 2020, at her home with family at her side.
She was born Nov. 24, 1934, in Torrance, Calif., the daughter of Carl E. and Erma Mabel Wraith Carstens. She graduated from high school in Torrance, and later earned a teaching degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles. She taught girls Phys. Ed. in Berkeley and San Leandro.
Erma met Charles F. Fisher and was married June 24, 1960, in Torrance. They moved back to Lawrence, where she taught Phys. Ed. at Haskell Juco. After taking a break to raise her kids, she taught briefly at Hillcrest Elementary. She was active in PEO, Meals on Wheels, and Plymouth Congregational Church and its women’s groups. In her spare time she enjoyed counted cross stitch, bridge, and quilting.
Survivors include her husband Chuck of the home; a daughter, Lisa Gilbert and husband James, Eudora; and two granddaughters, Mallory and Loralei Gilbert. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Brad Fisher, and three siblings, Barbara Jordan, Fred Carstens, and Bill Carstens.
Friend may call Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Social distancing, masking, and assembly limits will be observed.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brad Fisher Memorial Bell Choir Fund at Plymouth Congregational Church, or to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Chuck and Lisa, I am so very sorry to learn of Erma’s passing. I had so much fun with her, Gertrude and Rosemarie on our monthly adventures. We must have visited every eatery, museum, mall and special event in the Lawrence, KC, Topeka and Tonganoxie areas. That is hyperbole, but we certainly visited a lot of those. I especially enjoyed Erma’s dry sense of humor and the fact that she told me when we were building our home to get a “jetted tub long enough to lie down in.” We followed her advice and she was absolutely right! My memories of her are nothing compared to yours, but I will miss her. Ray joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to her family.
Chuck and family, we were so saddened to hear of Erma’s passing. Lawrence has grown so that one can go years without crossing paths with someone you know, and that is the case with you and Erma. She was a lovely person and we think of you both every time the bell choirs at Plymouth render their beautiful music. We will continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers during the upcoming months.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dearest Lisa, Mallory, Lorelei, Chuck, and Jamie:
David and I send our deepest love and concern to each of you. Our dear Erma was one of the most delightful people to know. We are thankful Gayle and Maxine Mott brought us all together through the Mott ranch and riding horses–oh so long ago in the 60s. What marvelous family events we’ve shared through the years with our Fisher, Mott, Parmley, Gilbert, Russell and Hall family units: birthdays, three weddings, 50th wedding anniversaries, wedding and baby showers, the birth of darling children , special events Of LIFE, graduations, annual Christmas gatherings, and even the Sad ones of funerals. The list goes on and on.
Our journeys back to Kansas always included a visit with your parents, the Gilberts and the Motts. Truly it was The best tradition for David and me.
And I know you realize how much Mary Alice, RC, Anna Belle and Bill adored your family. You know the deep love they felt.
Erma was always so much fun to talk to and always interested in the other person. She was caring, smart, funny in a stoic way, talented in her gifts of her sewing, her preparation of delicious foods, and of making beautiful, generous tables she set. She always gave of herself and loved her family and oh sooo much for her two darling grandchildren . She was proud of her family as was Chuck— we loved hearing about the stories and special events of Mallory and Loralei!!
She was and is a model for how we should face life all the time – to be grateful for all our blessings, even when times are tough.
Lisa our hearts go out to you and the family ; she has left an amazing legacy and traditions. I’m thankful —David is thankful—We we’re close to her and called her a beloved friend.
God’s Peace and Love to you, Mary Ann and David
Dear Chuck, Lisa, Jamie, Mallory and Loralei, it is with a heavy heart that Vickie and I realize the loss of Erma. It was our honor to know and care for her and we’ll miss so much about her that always made us feel better about ourselves for having known her. While the grief of the loss will be sustained so too will be the great memories of a wonderful life that will always be with us. May God’s love be with you all. JIm and Vickie
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will miss seeing Erma’s lovely smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Chuck, it is sad to read of Erma’s passing on to a better life for her as she unites with that special son and other friends you have missed. Your loss will magnify in the coming days and nights, and I am hopeful all your dear friends and messages will bring you some comfort. MY best to you and Lisa…….Faye Watson
Reading Erma’s obituary and seeing that lovely picture have brought back so many happy memories. Such a wonderful woman! We trust your own memories will comfort you in the days and weeks to come.
So sorry for your loss.
So very sorry to hear about your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We say a quiet prayer for you and Erma’s family. May God’s peace grace you in your grief. May your remembrances of Erma all be blessed. May you rest assured Erma is with all the saints.
Chuck, so very sorry to read about Erma.
May your many good memories help you & your family get through this sad time.. Carol (Mrs Don) Randel
Chuck, We have so many fond memories of times with you and Erma. She was an amazing lady and had so many talents with her cooking, sewing and baking. We love you and wish you the best. judie & Mike
Chuck, so sorry to hear you’ve lost Erma. You both had a long life together and many memories. My prayers are with you both,
Chuck, I am so saddened to hear of Erma’s passing. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May her memory be a blessing.
Chuck, we miss seeing you at Plymouth and look forward to returning to the Sanctuary someday soon. Erma lit the place up!
Chuck, Lisa and family. We’re sorry to read of your loss of Erma. She always seemed calm and caring. I have lasting memories of Chuck and Erma taking loving care of each other as they attended women’s basketball games.
We are so sorry to hear of Erma’s passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts in the coming days as you grieve the passing of your beloved wife and mother.