Erma Magera

POLSON — Erma Magera, 87, of Hot Springs, died of age related causes at Missoula Community Hospital in Missoula on Feb. 9, 2005 .

Erma was born May 15, 1918, to John and Gladys Eley. She was the eldest of five children. Her brother and sisters preceded her in death.

On Dec. 11, 1935, Erma married Edward John Magera, also of Hot Springs and they had three children, Eddie Magera of Hot Springs, Ramona Swope of Quartzsite, Ariz., and Dorene Magera of Bayview, Idaho. Ed and Erma formed a strong marriage partnership and together developed a cattle ranch during the years they were raising their family. Ed died in 1986.

Erma was a talented homemaker who cooked wonderful family meals, sewed beautiful clothes for her family and was also very talented at crafts and embroidery. Two of her embroidery pieces took first place in National/State Grange competitions. In addition to being a Grange member, Erma was instrumental in getting a Home Demonstration Club started in the Hot Springs area. She later became very involved in the Hot Springs Senior Citizens, served on their board, and spent many hours having fun with other seniors there.

Erma attended school in Garcon Gulch and at Lonepine, where she completed her high school studies in three years and graduated. One of her favorite activities was the annual Lonepine alumni banquet. Erma served as a secretary at early day rodeos and later as a timer for Jocko Valley Rodeo Co. for which Ed furnished Brahma bulls.

Erma is survived by her children, Eddie and his wife Nadine (Melton), Ramona and her husband Charles (Swope), and Dorene; five grandchildren, Jeanne Swope, Glen Magera, Charles Swope Jr., and Stanley Magera, all of Hot Springs, and Kelli Rea Nelson of Billings; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, at 4 p.m. in the Lonepine Hall, with a potluck dinner following services at the hall. Memorials honoring Erma may be sent to Hot Springs Senior Center or to the Lonepine Community Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.