Kirkland, IllinoisErma Leorah Ferb was born November 19, 1921 in Brookville, Illinois to Raymon C. and Nora (Powell) Irvin. She spent her childhood in Poplar Grove, Illinois where her father managed the grain elevator. She graduated from Capron High School. Erma worked for the National Sewing Machine Company in Belvidere, Eden Fruit Company in Poplar Grove as well as Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford. She married LaVerne C. "Vernie" Ferb on June 7, 1941 having met at the Paulson barn dances. Erma lived on the farm they owned and operated on Stone Quarry Road in Flora Township, Boone County for over fifty years. She was preceded in death by Vernie in 1986. They enjoyed their vacation home in Lake Mills, WI as well as many trips to Florida. Erma toured the United States on bus tours with friends and also traveled with family to Mexico, Italy and the Virgin Islands.Erma was a faithful member of the Kirkland United Methodist Church and belonged to the Martha Circle. She had served as Church Treasurer and a member of the Outreach Committee. She enjoyed her "Boggle" friends from the church who met weekly for many years.Survivors include her sister, Mildred M. Banks of Rockford; daughter Lori A. Pepper of Sleepy Hollow and her grandson J. Daniel Pepper of Rock Island.

A memorial has been established in her name for the First United Methodist Church of Kirkland.