MCDONALD, Erma E.

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, September 10, 2014 Erma E. McDonald was called home on Sept. 4, 2014, surrounded by family, as angels came to receive her for the Lord. Erma was born on Sept. 30, 1924, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Erma came to Wickenburg in 1960. Working at various positions at the Wickenburg Hospital, Wards Dry Cleaning, full-time cook at the world-known restaurant Frontier Inn. After the business was sold, Erma went to work for the Gold Nugget Restaurant for Roy and Betty Coxwell, working as full time head hostess. She put herself through Lampson Business College and graduated top of her class for business management and accounting. Continuing her restaurant career, she worked at Wickenburg’s very own Carey’s Pizza. She retired at the age of 84. Developing numerous medical problems, needing assistance in 2008 for quality of life living, Charles and Jessi came to assist her and to help maintain her lifestyle in the comfort of her home. She continued after retiring to help friends and family through her wisdom. Erma will always be known for standing up for the truth. She purchased a home and property in 1966 and is a local member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she met Carol and Joe Bennett and became friends. She became an active member of the LDS church and through the church’s relief society became well known for her coleslaw and homemade bread. Erma stood up for church and family and became their rock. She donated to several agencies throughout Arizona such as Arizona Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams and Firefighters of America. She touched many through her smile and laughter. She raised five boys and is survived by her sons Mark (Cindy) Maki, Richard Cortez, Charles “Chuck” McDonald and Jessi S. McDonald; three grandkids, Jessi (Kari) McDonald, Crystal McDonald and David Cortez; her only great-grandchild Tyler McDonald; and nieces and nephews Mike (Christy) Green, Tery Pittman and Debbie Sessions, all of Idaho Falls. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, two sisters, a brother and sons Ronnie and Jessie Jr. She will be greatly missed even though she wasn’t a council member or business owner. She will be remembered throughout the community. Her quotes that will be carried out with her family, “When you are right, stand up for yourself and never give up.” Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at the LDS church in Wickenburg. Following the church service, a graveside blessing will be held at the Wickenburg Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to attend to be with the family. Arrangements are handled by David’s Desert Chapel.