Erma Ruth (Lust) Jacobson, 88, peacefully passed away Feb. 2, 2013 at the home of her youngest son in Brier, Wash. She was surrounded by people who loved her when she went home to the Lord. With open arms she joined her husband, Howard. She was born on July 14, 1924 to George and Lydia Lust in Kalispell, Mont.
Erma grew up in Kalispell, Mont. and graduated from the University of Montana. On June 23, 1946 Erma married her husband of 54 years, Howard William Jacobson, and the two lived in Helena where she taught elementary school and raised four boys. In 1968 they relocated to Whidbey Island where they lived for 32 years. After Howard’s death in 2000, Erma moved to Bothell.
Erma taught elementary school, including reading at Clover Valley Elementary School in Oak Harbor. Teaching was her passion.
She also taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and taught her 10 grandchildren valuable and memorable life lessons whenever she could. She was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church and a member of Toastmasters International.
In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, crocheting, a rousing game of pinochle, a strong cup of coffee and a good piece of chocolate. Erma was giving, thoughtful, a wonderful mother and grandmother, charming and a little mischievous at times.
After a visit from family or friends, Erma would stand smiling at the window waving her hand until they were out of sight. She said she was waving “hello” for the next time she saw them. For those who knew Erma, her smile will be dearly missed.
Erma is survived by her brother and his spouse, Leonard and Carleen of Richland; and her sister Ada of Kalispell, Mont. She is also survived by her four sons and their wives: Kern and Sima of Los Angeles, Calif.; Allan and Jo of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Dennis and Linda-Ruby of Gilbert, Ariz.; Les and Barb of Brier, Wash. Her grandchildren: Kelton, Kristin, Anne, Jon, Jordyn, Jovanna, Kaelin, Eli, Reid, Shea; and her great grandchildren Lucas and Peyton.
She was preceded in death by her husband Howard and son Douglas.
A special thanks to caregivers Gretchen, Garreth, Barb and all the friends and neighbors for all their love and support.
Graveside funeral service for Erma will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville. Following the graveside service there will be a memorial service 1 p.m. at Pointe of Grace, 5425 Harbour Pointe Blvd in Mukilteo. Family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made to Lutheran World Hunger, the American Cancer Society or to a local charity in Erma’s name. Friends and Family are invited to go to www.ErmaRuthJacobson.com, to sign a guest resister and leave remembrances or just to say “hello” to Erma for the next time you see her.
