Erma Fralich

Erma J. “Jackie” Fralich passed away December 23rd, 2015 in Salem, OR, at the age of 90 surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born October 22, 1925 in Salem to George A. and Carlyn Custer. At an early age the family moved to Klamath Falls, OR, where Jackie attended Henley High School. She married Martin Tucker who was killed early in World War II. They had a daughter, Donna. Later, Mom met the “love of her life,” John L. “Jack” Fralich, Sr., of Duluth, MN, while he was rehabilitating at the Klamath Falls Marine Barrack’s Rehab Center, after he had contracted malaria in the Philippines, while serving in the United States Marine Corps. They were married in Havre, Montana, on October 9th, 1945, while on a trip by railroad from Klamath Falls, OR, to Duluth, MN, so Dad could present his new bride to his family in Duluth. After Dad’s discharge from the military they settled in Coulee Dam, WA, where Jack worked as a carpenter and power house operator at Grand Coulee Dam, for the Bureau of Reclamation. In December 1946 they welcomed a son, John Jr., and in May 1948 their second son Mark, both born in Grand Coulee, WA. They moved to Salem, Oregon around 1950 and remained there for the rest of their lives.

Mom was born the second of 12 children. She was preceded in death by her parents George Sr. and Carlyn, her first husband Martin and second husband John Sr., whom she was married to for 58 years before his death in 2003. Jackie was also preceded in death by her sisters Doris, Helen, and Lila, and brothers Steve, Bill, Dan, Jim, and Donald. She is survived by her daughter Donna (Don), Salem, OR; sons John L. Fralich Jr. (Linda), Grants Pass, OR, and Mark A. Fralich (Lynda), Veradale, WA.; grandchildren, John “Erinn” (Eunora) Fralich, C.B (Megan) Fralich, Grants Pass, OR, Dr. Laura Fralich, Spokane Valley, WA, and Kym (Koley) Shankle, Mead, WA; nine great-grandchildren, Maisie, Zack, Ian, John, Kristian, Kristofer and Jackson Fralich, Grants Pass, Rylie and Taylor Shankle, Mead, WA. She is also survived by her brothers George A. Custer Jr., Darrel Custer (Vie), and sister Rose, of Salem, OR; son-in-law Don Oakley, Salem, OR; sisters-in-law Lorraine Knapp, Orange, CA; Ruby Custer, and Lou Custer, Salem, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jackie was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As a homemaker, wonderful cook, with a giving heart, she would always think of others first. Nothing made Mom happier than to be around her family and friends and she cherished those moments. Dad and Mom spent a number of years traveling around the United States as “snowbirds” in their RV with their little dog Corkey, where they made many “traveling friends.” They especially liked going fishing and camping. They were long standing members of Bethel Church, West Salem, OR., and enjoyed serving the Lord. The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to her sister-in-law Ruby Custer for her faithful care and love of Mom over the years, and Mom’s sister Rose and nephew Donny for their devotion to our Dad until his passing.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Bethel Church, c/o Lynda Nyseth, 21461 S. Highway 101, Amity, OR 97101, or a charity of your choice. At Jackie’s request, there will be no additional gathering after the Chapel Service or any graveside service.