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Erma Darlene Oliver
July 17, 1930 - July 26, 2009
Des Moines, Iowa
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| Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, August 08, 2009 at Southern Hills Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses at 420 S.E. Watrous in Des Moines, Iowa. |
Erma Darlene Oliver, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died Sunday, July 26, 2009 at the Oskaloosa Care Center, at the age of 79. As per Erma’s wishes she has been cremated. She was born July 17, 1930 in New Sharon, Iowa. She was raised in Oskaloosa, but spent her entire life in Des Moines where she raised her family.
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Erma was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1961 and was a member of the Southern Hills Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Erma was best known as a “pioneer”, as full-time volunteer ministers of Jehovah’s Witnesses are known. She devoted 40 years to pioneer ministry and was a wonderful teacher who helped many come to a knowledge of the Bible. She remained active in her ministry right up until her death. She was also well known for her cooking, especially her Italian specialties. She had a wonderful sense of humor. But her true passions were always her ministry and her family. Her last wish was for all her family, brothers and sisters, and Bible students to be there to welcome her back in Paradise.
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She was preceded in death by her mother, Lola McCombs; and two sisters, Irene Bowen and Donna DeWitt.
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Survivors include her devoted and loving husband, Mando; son, Robert (Lana) Oliver of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; daughter, Cindy (Sam) Brown of Des Moines; daughter, Diana (Danny) Fryer of Oskaloosa; son, Michael (Melissa) Oliver of Des Moines, and a brother, Lyle (Norma) Van Gorp of Kentucky. She also leaves her 8 grandchildren, one very special great granddaughter, and one niece.
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In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to her fellow “pioneers” at Southern Hills Congregation, who volunteer many hours in helping others. Make checks payable to: Erma Oliver Memorial Fund; they may be sent to: Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel, 2116 North Third ST, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577, who are handling the arrangements.
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