Erma Lee Little

Erma Lee Little, 91, passed away October 5, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born to John Edward and Clemma Jane [Edgin] Elliott on January 12, 1928 in Benton, Arkansas. At a very young age, her family relocated to the Phoenix area where she graduated from Phoenix Union High School, which is where she met the love of her life, Wayne Little. Shortly after graduation, Erma and Wayne were married on September 12, 1946. Erma worked for Valley National Bank for several years until she and Wayne decided to start a family, raising three daughters; Sheila, Jan and Denise. Erma enjoyed cooking, was a baker, and was especially known for her cakes and pies. She was also a skilled seamstress. One of her many beautiful creations was a wedding dress for a granddaughter. Erma loved having family gatherings and made everyone feel welcome. She was a very caring person and a friend to everyone she met. She would introduce herself as Erma with an E! Erma was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the International Association of Firefighters, known as the Fire Belles. Both Erma and Wayne were long time members of Phoenix Baptist Church and then Bethel Baptist Church. Erma, Wayne and the girls enjoyed camping with other fire fighter families. There were many memorable trips to Hawley and Mormon Lake to fish and enjoyed stories around the campfire. As the girls grew up, Erma went to work for the City of Phoenix with the Annexation and Elections departments before retiring along with Wayne. They traveled throughout North America in the truck and camper visiting relatives and the many friends they made along the way. Erma had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved babysitting when she was younger and enjoyed their visits as she got older. Her good night songs are memorized by all. Erma left a life trail of wonderful memories for each of us. Erma is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, N. Wayne Little; her daughters, Sheila (Terry) Ringey and Denise (Steve) Eslick; grandchildren, Tammy, Jayme, Renay, Wayne, Amanda and Austin; great grandchildren, Hannah, Maddie, Riley, Rayna, Ren, Annabelle, John, Aiden, Brody, Braylee, Conrad and Cora. Erma is the final member of her immediate family to enter the gates of heaven and we’re sure her daughter, Jan Criswell was the first to greet her. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home or to East Valley Hospice.