Erma Ella Holcomb

Erma "Jimmie" Ella Holcomb, 85, of Fort Collins, died January 9, 2010 at a local nursing home. Erma was born to Benjamin Harrison and Stella Fayer James on June 30, 1924 on the family farm near Montezuma, Iowa. Weather permitting, Erma had the pleasure of riding to her country school on a beautiful, retired race horse, furnished by her grandfather. The school, Hayes Union Township #2 was named after her great-grandfather in honor of his contribution of the land for the school. During her high school days, Erma was the pianist and a Sunday School teacher at Little Mount Baptist Church in Montezuma. Erma was a graduate of the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. She was then selected by the Civil Service and went to Dayton, Ohio where she met her future husband at Wright/Patterson Air Force Base, where he was stationed. She married Dr. Keith W. Holcomb on June 26, 1945 in Lime Springs, Iowa. Erma also worked in administration at MayTag during WWII. The Holcombs moved from Grinnell, Iowa 52 years ago to Ft. Collins. Erma was a Real Estate Broker, a member of First United Methodist Church, and the Golden K Kiwanis Club, Golden Girls. She loved to play bridge was a Certified American Contract Bridge League Teacher. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Keith W. Holcomb; a son, Daryl Holcomb and his wife, Dottie of Castle Rock, Colorado; one daughter, Ann Sterling and her husband, Ken of Crystal Lakes, Colorado; Erma's sister, Louise McLane of Grinnell; two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Preceding Erma in death are her parents; a brother, Rev. Warren L. James; and two sisters, Florence Wiley and Arlene Johnston. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover, on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Private Interment will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver. Rev. Rebecca McFee will officiate at the service. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Poudre Golden K Kiwanis or First United Methodist Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins,