Erma Mary Wood

ERMA MARY WOOD The family of Erma Mary Wood will be present at Ertel Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They request the presence of Erma's friends to share stories and memories of this beloved woman. Erma Mary Wood was born February 17, 1915 in Colton, S.D. the daughter of Matthew and Gertrude (Evans) Guckenberger. She passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at her Cortez home at the age of 93. Erma believed in education. Her teaching career began in a one room school house. She attended one more year of college before singing professionally in a woman's trio. After raising her family, she graduated from Fort Lewis College at age 55. Erma resumed her teaching career in Cortez and retired 17 years later. Her love of learning was passed on to her children. Erma was proud that her four children earned their Masters degrees. Erma was a clerk for the District Court in Howard County, Iowa for 12 years. Erma was a gifted musician having been a professional singer, choir director, piano teacher, and accompanist. She was extremely gifted playing the piano. Surviving Erma are her daughter, Donna Mallin and husband, Daniel of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Linda Frisby and husband, Jan of Grand Junction, Colo., and David Wood of Loveland, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Robert W. Wood; her son, Robert Wood; and her grandson, Matthew Wood. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be made in Erma's memory to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez, Colo. 81321. The family asks that you remember their mother in your own way and make music in her honor.