In loving memory of

Erma H. Meyer 10/23/2020
March 15, 1936 - October 23, 2020

Erma Hester (Ruter) Meyer, 84, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Friday, October 23, 2020 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020. A celebration of life will be held in Marshalltown at a later date. Memorials can be directed to First United Methodist Church of Marshalltown (202 W. Main St., Marshalltown, IA 50158) or Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation (1111 Duff Ave., Ames, IA 50010). Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Erma was born to Herman and Etta Ruter in Marshalltown, IA on March 15, 1936. She graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1954. Erma attended the Evangelical Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Marshalltown where she earned her RN degree in 1957. She was united in marriage to Duane Meyer on December 27, 1955 in Wellsburg, IA. Erma served as a nurse for 44 years, 41 of those at the Marshalltown Medical clinic. She loved working alongside so many wonderful doctors and fellow nurses during her nursing career and considered that time of her life to be a joyous and meaningful time. She spent many years in retirement still serving as "nurse Erma" to her family, friends, and former patients, visiting them with tender care when needed and always providing a listening ear.

Erma was a member of the National TTT society for 59 years. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, serving in many volunteer leader roles over the years and especially enjoying using her beautiful singing voice in the choir.  Erma was equally a great wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many and always had time for all. She enjoyed her coffees and lunch dates with friends, as well as game nights with Duane and other couples.

Erma is survived by her two sons, Perry J Meyer, married to Jeri Ann Meyer, of Waukee, IA and Randy J Meyer, married to Angela Meyer, of Overland Park, KS. She loved her six grandchildren so much: Matt Meyer, married to Lindsey Meyer of Centennial, CO, Ryan Meyer, married to Katie Meyer of Cedar Falls, IA, Emily (Meyer) Neleman, married to Chad Neleman of Urbandale, IA, Drew Meyer, married to Kersee Meyer of Olathe, KS, Jake Meyer, married to Marisa Meyer of Overland Park, KS, and Nate Meyer of Overland Park, KS. She also loved and adored her six great-grandchildren: Ava, Bennett, and Carly Meyer (Ryan and Katie), Jackson Meyer (Matt and Lindsey), Louie Neleman (Emily and Chad), and Emmett Meyer (Drew and Kersee) with two more on the way in the spring (Matt and Lindsey and Emily and Chad).

Erma was preceded in death by the love of her life, Duane, who passed away earlier this year, her parents, Herman and Etta, her brothers Eugene and Elmer Ruter and wife Irene as well as Duane's parents and 14 aunts and uncles.

Tributes

Daniel Linke wrote on Oct 31, 2020:

"Perry, I was saddened to see the news about your mother but am confident she and your father are together again. 2020 has been a hard year for sure but you can take comfort in the wonderful legacy your parents leave with the family and extended family they raised. They were great examples of the right kind of people we all strive to be. I know my parents were very fond of your mother and father and have warm memories of times they shared. I?ve always appreciated your friendship and pray for your comfort. Dan Linke "

Joanne Claypool wrote on Oct 29, 2020:

"Perry and Randy and Families, I am still in a state of shock that both your parents passed away so close together! What wonderful, caring people they both were! We have been friends for so many years (the after -ball game group), plus Duane was my principal for a few years. One of my indelible memories is that I awoke after surgery many years ago, and there was Erma holding my hand! I know you all will miss them terribly, but I rejoice that they are together again in Heaven. God's blessings for all of you! "

Jeff Abbe wrote on Oct 28, 2020:

"Prayers to the family Jeff and Karen Abbe"

Lee Vial wrote on Oct 27, 2020:

"The friendship of Erma and Duane has been a true blessing to us. When we came to Marshalltown in 1980...the Meyers welcomed us as neighbors...leading us to First United Methodist Church. The friendship grew over the years and we certainly enjoyed many good times together. They were true examples of love and devotion for the family to cherish. Thoughts and prayers go out to Perry and Randy and their families. Such a wonderful couple...they will be greatly missed. Sincerely.. Lee & MaryJo Vial"

Sandy Bishop wrote on Oct 27, 2020:

"I was a member of TTT with Erma and we had many happy moments selling nuts to send girls to camp. She was a dedicated member and we will always have those happy memories."

Deester Petersen wrote on Oct 27, 2020:

"Erma & Duane will be happy to be together once again. They were amazing people who were so kind. Blessings to all their family ??"

Jackie Patterson Pippin wrote on Oct 27, 2020:

"Erma was such a bright, shining model for my generation to follow. Growing up at First United Methodist, I had so many great nurses to look to when I started my career many years ago. I will miss our talks. Duane and Erma were an exceptional example of marriage, family and faith and how to live it out in every day life. I was truly blessed to know both of them. My heartfelt condolences go out to Perry, Randy and their families that were so very loved by this beautiful soul. I'm sure Heaven broke out in song as Erma was promoted and I picture her running with that beautiful smile to Jesus and Duane. She was simply wonderful and will be missed."

Troyce Fisher wrote on Oct 27, 2020:

"A beautiful obituary celebrating an extraordinary life. Our sympathies to all. Troyce"