Erma Jane Bugher

Erma J. Bugher, a joyous 106 years of age, passed away July 27 in Sun City. She was born on April 29, 1911, in Indiana to the late Clark and Ethel Hawkins. Until the 1960s she resided in the Kokomo, Indiana, area. On February 1,1942, Erma married Clarence Bugher and raised his four children as well as her son, Joe Beaman. She loved them all equally, and they adored her. During WWII, she and Clarence opened their arms and their home to their two married daughters and a grandson while their husbands served in the armed services. With her new grandson, she became known as “Mamaw”--a name she proudly carried for the rest of her life. She was an active member of Union Street Friends Church in Kokomo and continued service to God through the United Church of Sun City in Arizona.

After selling their Kokomo-based business and retiring in the early 1960’s, Erma and Clarence ventured to the “original” Sun City, Arizona. They were one of the first retirees to settle in the community. Clarence passed away in 1980, and in April 1988 Erma moved to Sun Valley Lodge and remained a resident there for almost 30 years. With her charming smile, warm personality and positive attitude; she had many loving friendships among the residents and the staff. Erma was an avid game player--board and card games, such as euchre, canasta, and Uno, among others. She played to win but was a gracious winner which was frequent—playing and winning as recently as June. She always addressed her letters and notes to family as “Dear Ones” as an expression of her love. She was always learning and until her later years continued to use her computer for correspondence and producing creative greeting cards. Mamaw was beloved by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life was held at Sun Valley Lodge on August 1, officiated by the Reverend Brady Abel, Pastor of the United church of Sun City, and attended by her family, friends, residents and caring staff. A private burial was held on August 14 at Kokomo (Indiana) Memorial Park.

Surviving Erma are one son, ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as a niece. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, brother, four children, two grandchildren, and a niece.

Another Celebration of Life for family will be held in September in Indiana. The Golden Door Funeral Home in Sun City and Shirley and Stout Funeral Homes in Kokomo were responsible for burial arrangements.