Erma Ferne Lyle

Erma Ferne Lyle

Tipton

Erma Ferne Lyle, 95, of Tipton, Iowa, died Nov. 28 from Covid while at Cedar Manor rehabbing from a fall. Erma was born on Sept. 19, 1927, in Washington County, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Mildred Fay (Bauer) Turnipseed. She graduated from Washington High School in 1945. Erma was united in a marriage to James Lyle on May 23, 1948, whom she met on the dance floor and continued dancing with until his death in 1985. Her outgoing personality was perfect as she worked with her customers in the bank in Washington, Iowa ,and later at the Tipton State Bank. She stayed connected to the customers as they had children and grandchildren. She was well known throughout her almost 70 years in Tipton and was even the grand marshal in the 4th of July parade one year.

She loved the Methodist Church and was involved in the church board, PEO, and various circles when she was able. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially her patio where she got her daily dose of vitamin D. She loved rides in the country and watching the seasons change, loved clean windows, talking politics, her daily crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, playing bridge and eating at the Senior Center. She sewed look-a-like dresses for her girls in her younger days. Going to the casino and playing the penny slots was always a highlight to her month. It would get pretty rowdy in the house when the Iowa Hawkeyes played, she never missed a game and she was also pretty good at Wheel of Fortune. But most of all she loved her family, friends, and faith, and FOX News.

Even though she had health issues for years she never complained and how many people actually graduate from hospice? Yes, she did in 2010. What a miracle momma, a breast cancer survivor- numerous broken bones, heart and lung disease and living to 95.

Such a beautiful caring, loving woman who was loved by so many, a rare gem whose spirit will continue to shine through us all.

She is survived by a daughter, Susan (Don) Peck of Jackson, Mich.; son-in-law, Don Zellers of Topeka, Kan.; six grandchildren, Tami Wemer, Ottumwa, Iowa, Bryan (Mary)Peck, Highlands Ranch, Colo., Melissa (Scott Watson) Bradock, Dewitt, Iowa, Brittany (Jon) Matteson, Highlands Ranch, Colo. Lyle (Molly) Graverson, Valley Center, Kan., and Aaron (Leanne) Graversen, Lakewood, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one brother, Marian Turnipseed, Washington, Iowa; her Bonus foster family, Kathleen (Chris) Gates, Jeff (Tammy) Foster, Alyssa (Josh) Amelon and sons, Wayne and Clint, Brent (Abby) Foster, Tayler (Hunter Stokes) Foster.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Vern Miller; husband, Jim Lyle; special friend, Bob Foster; daughters, Sherry Mahoney and Sally Zellers; brothers, Darryl Turnipseed; an infant brother, sisters, Edna Statler, Leatha Statler and Frances Toothacher; and twin great-grandsons, William and Edward Amelon.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec.1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, Dec. 2, at the First United Methodist Church, Tipton, at 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by burial at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Tipton, Cedar Manor, or the Cedar County Senior Dining in Tipton.