Erma Wall

Erma Lesta Wall passed away peacefully at 102 years of age on January 29, 2017 at St Luke's Hospital, Jerome, Idaho after a short illness.

Erma was born March 1, 1914 in Penrose, Colorado. She was the fourth daughter of William Bernard Arnold and Effie Mae Coffman Arnold. When Erma was three years old they all moved to Idaho.

She met a very handsome young man at a church service, who mischievously sneaked up behind her and untied the sash on her dress. Eventually Erma and that handsome man, Ollis K. Wall, tied the knot on the steps of the Jerome County Courthouse on July 22, 1933. Together they had four children, Betty L. Blake (Gerald), Orville K. Wall (Rose Marie), Norm J. Wall (Lowayne), Shirlene M. Miller (Gary),  37 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.

At the age of three she began playing the piano by ear, and by the time she was seven years old she was playing for dances with other members of her family. Many of you have heard the songs she played even a few months before her death, such as “Turkey In The Straw” and “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey”. Years later she learned to play a piece for the Grange and it became widely known in the Magic Valley as Sadie Belle playing, “Pistol Packin’ Mama” in several different rhythms: waltz, jitterbug, a march, a wedding, a funeral and Classical.  Erma was also very happy to be the Rodeo Queen of the 100 year anniversary Twin Falls Rodeo in 2016.

A very talented lady, Erma was adept at painting pictures, creating floral arrangements and sewing. She made her children dresses and shirts from flour sack material when they were young.

At the age of sixteen Erma gave her heart to the Lord under the ministry of Reverend Kathryn Kulman. She loved the Lord and his Word and was an amazing teacher and prayer warrior.

She joined her daughter’s family as missionaries to Thailand at age 65, ministering to Cambodian Refugees and a school for Missionary and Ambassador children.  She was often the highlight of an afternoon of fun, pulling out her false teeth and making some of the funniest faces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ollis Karl Wall; father, William Bernard Arnold; mother, Effie Mae Arnold; and three sisters, Lela Dorthea Whiteker, Edith Marie Sullivan, Bernice Mae Davis; and brother, Marvin Lawrence Arnold.

All her friends and family will join in her Life Celebration on Friday, February 3, 2017, 11:00 am at Life Church, 425 E. Nez Perce, Jerome, Idaho with viewing one hour prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Erma's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.