Erma Ruth Crews, 92, of Holden, Missouri, formerly of the Elm community, died Wednesday, March 15, at Holden Manor Care Center.

Erma was born May 17, 1924, in Holden, the youngest of 12 children to Lonnie Jack Courtney and Hattie Belle (Roberts) Courtney.

She graduated from Holden High School, class of 1942.

She was united in marriage to Hollis Leroy Crews on Nov. 15, 1942, at the Elm Spring pastor’s home and were members of Elm Spring Baptist Church.

The couple resided in the Elm community for many years prior to moving to Holden in 1967.

Erma loved baking, gardening, flowers, canning, crocheting and making afghans.

When Hollis retired, they enjoyed traveling and going camping and fishing together for several years.

She was a member of Holden United Methodist Church in her early years.

Erma was a member of Elm Spring Baptist Church while the couple resided at Elm and worked with the Girls Auxiliary and vacation Bible school for several years. After Hollis died, she returned to Holden United Methodist Church in Holden.

Survivors include two sons, Danny Crews and wife, Paula, of Holden; and Steve Crews and wife, Joyce, of Cashmere, Washington; four grandchildren, Jered Crews and wife, Amanda, of Blue Springs, Missouri; Kyle Crews and wife, Megan, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Stephanie Ebenstiner and husband, Jeremy, of South Prairie, Washington; and Jennifer Hoard and husband, Ron, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; nine great-grandchildren; one soon-to-be great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hollis; five sisters, Thelma Morse, Katie Lou Corkran, Hazel Brummit/Poston, Alma Shimel and Margaret Courtney; three brothers, Clyde, Herbert and Marvin Courtney; two half-sisters, Ina Courtney and Ruby Farringer; and one half-brother, Roy Courtney.

Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with the Rev. Pat Kelly officiating.

Interment will follow in Elm Spring Cemetery, north of Kingsville. Pallbearers will be Jered Crews, Kyle Crews, Steve Hammons, Ernie Smith, Nick Eubanks and Joe Gibson.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Elm Spring Cemetery Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.