Erma Hester (Ruter) Meyer, 84
Erma Hester (Ruter) Meyer, 84, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Friday, October 23, 2020 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020. A celebration of life will be held in Marshalltown at a later date. Memorials can be directed to First United Methodist Church of Marshalltown (202 W. Main St., Marshalltown, IA 50158) or Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation (1111 Duff Ave., Ames, IA 50010). Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Erma was born to Herman and Etta Ruter in Marshalltown, IA on March 15, 1936. She graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1954. Erma attended the Evangelical Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Marshalltown where she earned her RN degree in 1957. She was united in marriage to Duane Meyer on December 27, 1955 in Wellsburg, IA. Erma served as a nurse for 44 years, 41 of those at the Marshalltown Medical clinic. She loved working alongside so many wonderful doctors and fellow nurses during her nursing career and considered that time of her life to be a joyous and meaningful time. She spent many years in retirement still serving as “nurse Erma” to her family, friends, and former patients, visiting them with tender care when needed and always providing a listening ear.
Erma was a member of the National TTT society for 59 years. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, serving in many volunteer leader roles over the years and especially enjoying using her beautiful singing voice in the choir. Erma was equally a great wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many and always had time for all. She enjoyed her coffees and lunch dates with friends, as well as game nights with Duane and other couples.
Erma is survived by her two sons, Perry J Meyer, married to Jeri Ann Meyer, of Waukee, IA and Randy J Meyer, married to Angela Meyer, of Overland Park, KS. She loved her six grandchildren so much: Matt Meyer, married to Lindsey Meyer of Centennial, CO, Ryan Meyer, married to Katie Meyer of Cedar Falls, IA, Emily (Meyer) Neleman, married to Chad Neleman of Urbandale, IA, Drew Meyer, married to Kersee Meyer of Olathe, KS, Jake Meyer, married to Marisa Meyer of Overland Park, KS, and Nate Meyer of Overland Park, KS. She also loved and adored her six great-grandchildren: Ava, Bennett, and Carly Meyer (Ryan and Katie), Jackson Meyer (Matt and Lindsey), Louie Neleman (Emily and Chad), and Emmett Meyer (Drew and Kersee) with two more on the way in the spring (Matt and Lindsey and Emily and Chad).
Erma was preceded in death by the love of her life, Duane, who passed away earlier this year, her parents, Herman and Etta, her brothers Eugene and Elmer Ruter and wife Irene as well as Duane’s parents and 14 aunts and uncles.