Erma L. Irvine Williams, age 83, a lifelong resident of Marion, was given the best seats for the Buckeye game, as she passed Monday morning, January 12, 2015, at Heartland of Marion surrounded by her loving family and pictures of her precious great granddaughters, Madolyn and Caroline, following a courageous four year battle with cancer. Appropriately following the words of ESPN’s Stuart Scott, “she beat cancer by how she lived, why she lived, and in the manner she lived. She lived! And she fought like hell.”
On November 16, 1931, Erma was born in Marion, Ohio, the baby of five children of the late Clarence and Rosa (Greenland) Gorenflo. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1949. She continued to be active with her class throughout her life, attending most of their breakfasts and all of their reunions.
Shortly following graduation, Erma married Andrew “Andy” Irvine in June of 1952. Together they shared nearly 23 years of marriage, and lovingly raised a daughter, Linda. Erma and Linda shared a priceless mother-daughter relationship. They understood each other and knew each other’s thoughts without even having to speak a word. Sharing in life’s up’s and down’s, they were each other’s best friend. Erma and Andy shared a mutual love for the Ohio State Buckeyes, getting season tickets the year they were married. They also loved the Cleveland Indians; attending many games throughout their marriage. Some of their most special moments included fine dining with friends. He preceded her in death on April 3, 1975.
Working as an accountant, Erma first worked for the Huber Manufacturing Company from 1950 to 1977. Next, she worked for Stumbo Construction. Lastly, she worked as a clerk treasurer for the board of directors of the Marion Public Library, from where she retired in 1994.
A woman of faith, Erma was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church. Sitting in the same spot for nearly two decades, Erma loved listening to the hymns as her sister sang from the choir loft every Sunday morning. She enjoyed listening to the children’s moments, and looked forward to the weekly sermons; learning how to become the good and faithful servant God wanted her to be. Indeed she fulfilled her purpose and instilled the importance of living a Christ centered life to her family that will last through generations to come.
Throughout life, she kept herself busy with many social clubs. She was a proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi-Laurette Delta Delta chapter for over 60 years, and was a member and treasurer of the Huber Museum for over 10 years. She also played in a euchre card club for over 20 years; meeting monthly at various members’ houses. Erma took great pride in having card club at her home; carefully planning the perfect menu and decorating her home to fit the occasion. Erma was a former member of the Marion Country Club, where she spent many memorable Sunday dinners with her beloved family.
Getting a second chance at love, Erma married Edward Williams on May 31, 1986. They enjoyed their 24 years together; sharing a love for golf by attending the Memorial Invitation in Columbus, spending weekends searching for the perfect antiques, and simply enjoying one another’s company. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2010.
An avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Erma loved going to their football games for 62 years. She was the epitome of a true Buckeye fan; proudly wearing her Scarlett and Gray every football Saturday. One of the most special days came as she was receiving chemo at the James Hospital. Half asleep, she was awakened by the sound of three Buckeye football players walking into her room. Until her final days, she cherished those moments as if she was unofficially part of the team. Her love for the Buckeyes has passed to her grandsons, Kyle and AJ; sharing many memorable Saturdays in Columbus at Skull Session and at the Shoe. Her favorite part being the moment she heard the drum cadence of the TBDBITL as it started down the ramp, and as script Ohio graced its way across the field. We’re sure she is beaming with pride for their recent National Championship win! We are sure Madolyn and Caroline will carry on the Buckeye tradition. Anytime the girls shout OH, she will be shouting IO.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Linda (Marti) Strzelecki of Marion; two grandchildren: Kyle (Alicia) Strzelecki and Andrew Joseph “A.J.” Strzelecki, appropriately named after both grandfathers; two precious great granddaughters, Madolyn Elizabeth, and Caroline Grace, who will be born at the end of February. Erma and Madolyn, who Grandma always referred to as her “Tink,” shared a love for powdered donuts with Grandma always having a stock of them ready for her Tink. Grandma lovingly shared her love for music with Madolyn by always singing songs to and with her, especially the infamous Disney tune, Zippity do dah. Erma is also survived by two step-children: James (Carol) Williams of Cape Elizabeth, ME, and Marilynn Rowdybush of Wooster, OH; two step-grandchildren: Edward and Gwendolyn Rowdybush; a brother, Donald “Jack” Gorenflo of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her parents and husbands, Erma was preceded in death by two brothers: Franklin and Robert Gorenflo. She was also preceded in death by her beloved furbabies, Kurt & Arnie, Dundee, and Bosley. We know they were all waiting patiently for her with their tails wagging, and filled with happiness as Grandma came into heaven with plenty of doggie treats and tennis balls for all.
From birth, Erma had a special relationship with her sister, Phyllis. Their daughters, Linda and Candy, lovingly referred to them as the “butt sisters.” They shared the most tender moments, but also getting into the occasional spats; making up days later as if nothing had happened. Romans 12:10 fittingly describes their relationship: love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Indeed, they loved and honored each other until their finals hours here on Earth. Passing away within ten hours of one another, the butt sisters watched the National Championship game together; Phyllis quilting and Erma on the edge of her seat every play of the game with many outbursts until the game clock hit 00:00. We smile knowing they have one another as they begin their eternal life in Heaven, and can only imagine the ruckus they will cause together.
Her family will greet friends from 10 – 11 a.m. on Friday, January 16th, at the Epworth United Methodist Church (address below). Services honoring her life will follow at 11 a.m., with Rev. David Hoffman and Rev. Daniel Kiger officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery. Then, following a meal at the church, services for her sister, Phyllis Colegrove, will also be held at the church at 2 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio 43302.
Her family would like to thank all of the staff at Heartland of Marion for their tender loving care of Erma.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Erma’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
