The world lost a bit of its sparkle when Irma Irene Erb passed away on Friday, November 8th. She lived a big, beautiful, and vibrant life, and so many of us were blessed to spend time with her across the years.
Irma loved her family and enjoyed all the memories she made with them. She was born to Naomi and Oval Hayes in Santa Maria, California, on October 29, 1942, and spent a happy girlhood with her sisters Dortha and Louise in Fallon, Nevada. At the age of 19, Irma married the love of her life, George Stephen “Steve” Erb, with whom she spent nearly 63 years.
Steve and Irma built a beautiful life together, starting with their children Julie and Jon. The family enjoyed camping, fishing, and exploring the Nevada landscapes together. They moved to Gardnerville in 1968, and Steve and Irma spent the last 5 decades in their house watching the neighborhood kids grow up and hosting many a holiday in the same cherished living room. They also lived close to one of their favorite spots, the JT, where they made weekly appearances and lots of memories. Steve and Irma were the life of the party with their dancing skills and cheerful presence.
Irma was a friend to all and part of so many communities, including her walking group, painting class, and Wednesday dinner club. She loved being out and about, chatting with friends, getting produce from the farmers market, and petting the neighborhood dogs. Irma held dear the colleagues, students, and teachers she worked with at Douglas High School, and they continued to be a big part of her life after her retirement. She was also a talented artist, bringing countless landscapes and special family memories to life with her colorful paintings. Her sewing and crafting skills were unmatched, especially blossoming when she was owner of Irma’s Fabrics, and she made many thoughtful gifts over the years, too.
Irma loved being a grandma and great grandma, never missing the celebration of a birthday or holiday.
She was thrilled by the opportunity to visit her grandkids wherever they were all over the United States. One of the last gifts she gave was a pair of wings to her great-granddaughter, and just a couple weeks later, Irma got her own pair of wings as her soul departed this earth. She is already sorely missed as there could never be enough time and never another beauty like hers.
Irma is preceded in death by her parents Naomi and Oval and sister Dortha Bedingfield (Jim). She is survived and deeply missed by her husband Steve Erb; sister Louise Matson (Ken); children Julie Lundergreen (David) and Jon Erb (Kris); grandchildren Jamie (Cameron), Daniel, Christina, and Caylin; great-grandchildren Kira and Carson; and many nieces, nephews,
in-laws, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the Minden Mercantile (1600 Esmeralda Ave) on Monday, December 2nd at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Irma’s name to the Molly Lahlum Youth Scholarship with the MEFIYI Foundation.