Erma Gerber

Mrs. Erma F. Gerber, age 75 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2011, after a lengthy illness. Erma was born August 26, 1935, in Hartsburg, Mo., the daughter of Robert L. and Bessie P. Perkins Austeel. She was married on June 3, 1953, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Christ P. Gerber Jr., who preceded her in death on March 5, 2007. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Erma was a 1953 graduate of Jefferson City High School. She was employed as a Mailroom Supervisor with the Missouri Dept. of Revenue for several years prior to her retirement in 2002. Erma was a member of the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Holts Summit, Mo. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family. Survivors include: two sons, Vernal Gerber and his wife Linda of Olathe, Kansas and Jeff Gerber and his wife Stacy of Washington, Mo.; one daughter, Kathryn Duckett and her husband Greg of Holts Summit, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Lori Chapman and her husband Kenneth, Mark Branch and his wife Kristina, Matthew Duckett and his wife Melissa, Jessica Speers and her husband Sam, Amanda Stevens, Lindsey Gerber, Christopher Gerber and Brandon Gerber; six great-grandchildren, Allie Chapman, Cole Chapman, Jadin Stevens, Aireana Stevens, Claire Duckett and Mason Branch; one sister, Edith Sundermeyer and her husband John of New Bloomfield, Mo.; one brother, Robert M. Austeel and his wife Debra of New Bloomfield, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Donald Jeffery of Ashland, Mo.; and one daughter-in-law, Marty Branch. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, John Branch; one grandson, Justin Gerber; and one sister, Carolyn Jeffery. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Kenneth Chapman and the Reverend David Hartsfield officiating. Graveside services and interment will be at the Bonds Chapel Cemetery near Hartsburg, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Bonds Chapel Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com