Erma Ruth McDonald

Funeral Service for Erma R. McDonald age 88 of Norfolk, NE formerly of Neligh will be 

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilden, Nebraska.  Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh.  Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh, Ne.  Erma passed away on October 12, 2023 at Heritage of Bel-Air in Norfolk.  Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in handling the arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com 

     Erma Ruth (Held) McDonald was born on September 22, 1935 at Page, Nebraska to the Late Ervin and Wilma (Woods) Held.  She was married to Richard McDonald on June 12, 1952 in Ewing, Nebraska.

     Erma worked for years in retail and on the farm homestead outside of Neligh.  She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh and later Immanuel Lutheran in Tilden.  Erma was a very faithful woman and was active in the Ladies Aid group and bible study.

     In addition to her involvement in her church community, Erma for many years served as an election official counting ballots by hand for the Antelope County Election Commission.  She was absolutely devoted to her family and loved attending sporting events, dance recitals, play productions, and concerts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved to travel and was always up for an adventure.  She was a talented seamstress and sewed many dresses, costumes, and doll clothes for her grandchildren.  She always had time for a cup of coffee and a game of cards.

     Erma is survived by her son, Dennis (Karen) McDonald of Neligh; her daughter, Christina (Steven) Allemang of Haigler, NE, along with her sister, Karen (Carol) Leiding of Orchard.  Her 11 grandchildren include Dale (Michelle) McDonald of Neligh, NE, Dan (Stephanie) McDonald of Madison, NE, Jennifer (Nicholas) Kocian of Norfolk, NE, Christy Fisher of Council Bluffs, IA, Andrea (Nathaniel) Holland of Meadville, PA, Dawn (Patrick) Koenig of Norfolk, NE, Kylee (Matthew) Kester of Gretna, NE, Heather Allemang of Sioux Fall, SD, Seth (Olivia) McDonald of Orlando, FL, Ashley McDonald of Yankton, SD, Cole (Lauren) McDonald of Madison, NE.  She was blessed with 20 great grandchildren and 8 great great children.

     Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (July 1989), parents, Ervin and Wilma Held; her daughter, Zoan Rifer; her son, Thomas, and her great-great granddaughter, Elaina McDonald.