Erma Lee Garber Goering passed away on September 20, 2021. Erma was born to Daniel J Garber and Elma Aeschbacher Garber on February 23, 1931 on the family farm near Versailles, Missouri. Erma loved being outdoors and interacting with her three brothers D. Clifford, Vernon, and Laurel, and her sister Lydia. She enjoyed fishing in the farm pond, watching birds, gardening, and music. Erma attended Morgan County Public Schools, and on May 19, 1949 she graduated from Versailles High School. Upon her confession of faith, Erma was baptized on April 12, 1944 by the Rev. Howard Raid at the Bethel Mennonite Church, Fortuna, MO, where she was a lifelong member.
Erma attended Bluffton College in Bluffton Ohio before beginning work as a secretary for most of her adult life.
In the late 1960s she moved to Newton, where she lived until her marriage to Wilbert “Toby” Goering on July 27, 1985, at which time she moved to Moundridge. All of a sudden she not only became a wife, but also a stepmother and grandmother. After becoming part of the Goering family, Erma joined Toby in attending Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge.
In addition to following the stock market, Erma continued to enjoy gardening, fishing, bird watching, and travelling around the United States with Toby after her retirement.
Erma is survived by three step children, Janice Johnson (Merlyn) of Greeley, CO, Sharon Regehr (Duane) of Hesston, & Barb Goering (Joe Smucker) of Newton, two former daughters-in-law Carol Goering of Hutchinson and Ailene Amador of Hutchinson, ten step grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Daniel and Elma, her husband, Toby Goering, brothers D. Clifford, Vernon, & Laurel, her sister, Lydia Lehman, stepson Larry Goering, grandchild Kerry Johnson, and great grandchild Sierra Issel.
A brief service of remembrance will take place at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 in the Eden Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall with visitation following until 8:00 pm. Masks are required.
A simple graveside service will take place at Bethel Fellowship Church Cemetery, 37830 Bethel Church Rd, Fortuna, MO 65034 at 1:00 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.