She was born to Robert Edward White, Sr. and Pearl Sophia Dolder White on May 7, 1923, in Waterman, Illinois. After completing high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northern Illinois University. Initially she taught in Illinois before living and teaching in Gladbrook. She was first introduced to Lyle H. Moeller through his cousin and her good friend, Eleanor. They eventually married on May 22, 1948 and had a family of four children – Jessica (Mike) Putnam, Jon (Joanne) Moeller, Jay (Debbie Anne) Moeller, Jo Arbuckle and an American Field Service son from Thailand, Songwut Chongmeekuamsuk. The family grew to include grandchildren, Jenifer Putnam Dvorak, Benjamin, Emmalee, Kaitlin and Ryan Moeller and great grandchildren Wolfgang, William and Jessalyn Dvorak. In addition to raising four children and supporting their activities, Emma and Lyle enjoyed time together or with other family and friends playing in card clubs, dancing, traveling, bowling and “golfing”. Emma enjoyed being a Moeller’s Chick in the Friday Gutter Cutter League. Emma’s other interests included active membership in Alpha Study, Eastern Star, American Legion Auxillary, Peace Church Women’s Fellowship, and Neighborhood Club. She enjoyed sharing her musical talents by singing in the church choir, solos and small groups, as requested. Her political activities included serving as an election official and campaigning for candidates on multiple levels.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Lyle, son Jon, and brothers Burton, Frederick, and Lawrence. Her brother Bob White and sister Barbara Lynch continue to live in Illinois.