Erma Joyce Sowders

Erma Joyce Sowders, age 87, passed away on February 7, 2020, at Aspire Senior Living with her family by her side.  Erma was born on May 12, 1932, in Hammon, Oklahoma, daughter of Joseph and Mary (McFarland) Farni. Erma met her future husband, Walter Porter Sowders Jr., after he winked at her in the grocery store where he and her sister worked. They wed on January 1, 1949 and shared 67 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and business in Elk City, where they owned and operated Sowders Dental Lab for over 50 years (eventually partnering with Toby Nichols). Following Walter’s passing in 2016, Erma’s love for her family led her to move with her children to Wisconsin to join her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Erma was a loving mother and grandmother; taking joy in making her children’s favorite foods and home-made play doh, or having tea parties with her grandchildren.  Erma celebrated Christmas year round and dedicated an entire room in her home to the season. Erma had a huge sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. Above all, Erma cherished her family and had a deep love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Erma will be missed by her children: Bruce Sowders, Jacque (Bob) Fleshman, and Thomas (Suzette Holbird) Alex; grandchildren: Cindi (Mike) Jackman, Bobby (Allison) Fleshman, and Josh (Sally) Alex; and great-grandchildren: Macayla, Camden, Zane, Ashlyn, Aaven, and Jade.  She is further survived by her siblings: Ruth, Edith, Kenneth, and special sister-in-law Lavone; and her very best friend: Ava Davis with whom she enjoyed coffee and chatting.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter: Joyce; and her siblings: Velma, Thelma, Alvin, and Jean.

The funeral service for Erma will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, 1592 Oneida St. Menasha, WI with Chaplin Roy officiating.  Visitation will take place from 4:00 pm until the time of service.  A graveside service will follow later at Red Hill Cemetery in Hammon, Oklahoma with Dennis Knight officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Western Oklahoma Animal Rescue, in care of Vicki Adams, are appreciated.

Erma’s family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Aspire and Emerald Valley for their excellent care, as well as the staff and nurses at Heartland Hospice, including a special nurse Lisa, and Chaplin Roy.