Jean-Anne was present at her passing. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gene, her
children, Mary, Jean-Anne Knebelsberger (her husband Dave) and Will (his wife Tina) as well as
five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren with another on the way. She is also survived by her
brother Keith Helfer, and sisters Elaine Taylor (her husband Tom) and Mary K Stanfield (her
husband Chuck) as well as two nieces, a nephew and many cousins. Erma was born to Allie
and Catherine Helfer in Hillsboro, IL on June 13, 1931 growing up during the depression. She
attended Taylorville High School, then a few years of college at Eastern Illinois University.
Erma moved to Decatur to work where she met her husband-to-be on a blind date. They
married and following the birth of their first two children, Mary and Jean-Anne, they moved to
Phoenix, AZ in 1959 where Gene had been stationed while in the Air Force. Shortly after
arriving in their new home, Will was born. Eventually, they set down roots in Glendale buying a
home, joining Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and establishing a close circle of friends.
When her girls were in high school, Erma went back to school enrolling at Arizona State
University. She finished her undergraduate degree then went on to attain her Masters in Social
Work. She spent over 36 years serving the Urban Indian Community in health services as
director of the Phoenix Indian Center and Native Health where she also served on the board of
directors.
Erma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed traveling,
learning new things, growing roses, reading and playing bridge. She was the keeper of the
family history.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Valley and all the caregivers who helped take such
good care of her, especially in those last days. We also wish to thank Fr. Andreas of St. Gregory
Parish and the staff there as well as Shauna Henry and the staff at A.L. Grisham-Moore
Mortuary for their kindness and help during this difficult time.
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