Erma Wilkins Waite

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Erma Wilkins Waite, age 86, of St Johns Arizona, graduated from this life, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Erma was born to Thomas Wilson Wilkins and Nellie Bloomfield Wilkins in Bluewater, New Mexico. She is the seventh of ten children and is survived by four sisters, Theodora “Thedie” Rothlisberger, Christine Tietjen, Karla Connolly and Sarah Finlinson. 

Erma worked hard on the family farm, helped her mother at the post office and enjoyed playing basketball in school. After graduating from Ramah High School she went to Utah to attend Carels School of Cosmetology, where she graduated and remained employed until she married the love of her life, George Alma Waite. Together they raised their seven children in Utah and Arizona. 

Erma exemplified kindness, love, service and compassion; leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Despite a challenging childhood and many life difficulties she never let adversity change her kind heart; she always chose happiness. She would give you the shirt off her back even if she needed it more than you. She was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. She had a deep love for family and enjoyed feeding them delicious meals. She was a dedicated and hard working woman who was always serving others. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings, some of which were Relief Society President several times, Relief Society counselor in various presidencies, Young Women’s counselor, Sports Director, Primary teacher, Snowflake temple cleaner and Bishop’s storehouse director. 

Erma retired from the St Johns school system after working many years feeding the towns children and then later feeding the elderly at the Senior Center. She was known for her delicious cooking and baking that was enjoyed by all those she served. Erma loved dancing, telling jokes, playing all sorts of games, doing puzzles, telling stories, reading, cooking and baking, canning fruit and vegetables from the garden, sewing beautiful clothing, quilting and crocheting blankets; all for her children, grandchildren and many others. She spent the last four years living with her husband in Tucson, Arizona. She continued sharing love, joy and happiness to all those around her. She was adored by her new friends, neighbors and caregivers. 

Erma left behind a lasting legacy, woven through the memories and lives she touched. She will be loved and missed by her husband of 63 years, George Alma Waite, her seven children, Scott (Lynne) Waite, Darwin Waite, John (Sharon) Waite, Shannon (Brian) Mecham, Jennifer (Kelly) Thomas, Matthew (Diana) Waite and Spencer (Diane) Waite, her 30 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. She is also mourned by a multitude of friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly. 

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Ernie and George Wilkins, sisters, Mary Lee, Nellie Ruth Gillespie and Delora Shreeve, daughter in law, Lori Waite (Darwin), grandson, David Waite and great grandson, Draxton Waite.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns downtown building, 35 W Cleveland St. St Johns, Arizona 85936, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.

Toodle-oo Erma. We will love you always and forever.

Zoom link below.

Salem Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Event code 428235

Topic: Erma Waite Funeral. Time: Nov 9, 2024 11:00 AM Arizona

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99836577067?pwd=dGlwbgCcsnDDp1hgjaefLZ9OBF42Wd.1

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