Erma M. Petry

Erma M. Petry, 105, North Manchester, IN died at 1:10 a.m. Sunday, July 15, 2012 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center. She was born near South English, Iowa on November 28, 1906 to William & Anna (Brower) Kerr. She graduated from South English High School and later from Mt. Morris College in 1929. On October 8, 1932 she married Ralph Petry. He died July 18, 1974. Erma taught one year in Iowa and three years at Anniston, AL in a Presbyterian Missions boarding school for junior and senior African-American girls. She taught Release Time Bible classes in the schools near Goshen, IN for seven years and near Delphi, IN for six years. She was a pastor's wife while her husband served the Church of the Brethren including pastorates in North Dakota, Montana, Goshen, IN and Markle, IN. She was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren where she served as parish visitor and sang in the choir. Surviving are two sons, Glen (Johanna) Petry, Walkerton, IN and Ray Petry, East Dorset, VT. Two daughters, Carol (Dr. Paul) Burkholder, Rockford, IL and Ruth Billings, Anchorage, AK. Nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. Two brothers are deceased. Services will be held Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN with Pastor Kurt Borgmann officiating. Friends and family may call at Timbercrest Chapel one hour prior to the services. Graveside services and burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Markle Cemetery, Junction of State Road 116 and US 224, Markle, IN. Arrangements are being handled at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Erma M. Petry, memorial contributions may be made to the Timbercrest Senior Living Community, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1307 Beckley Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Heifer Project International, PO Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203. To send a private condolence to the Petry family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.