Erma J. Casper
East Wenatchee, Washington
February 29, 2008

Erma J. Casper, 94, died peacefully in her home in East Wenatchee on February 29, 2008. She was born May 19, 1913, in Leavenworth, WA, to Joesph E. Stelzig and Anna H. (Zabel) Stelzig. She was joined by her brother, Richard, five years later and they enjoyed life in their Leavenworth home and along the shores of the Wenatchee River at their cabin in Tumwater Canyon. The family moved to Wenatchee and Erma graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1932. She met Roscoe E. Casper and they were married on March 17, 1940. Erma and Roscoe, a pharmacist, purchased White Cross Pharmacy and operated it for 15 years. She also served as a bookkeeper for various Wenatchee businesses.

Erma was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wenatchee Court #11, Order of Amaranth, Emmanuel Shrine #19 of White Shrine of Jerusalem and Astral Chapter #75, Order of the Eastern Star. Roscoe and she served as Royal Patron and Royal Matron of the Order of Amaranth in 1959. Erma was also Worthy High Priestess of Emmanuel Shrine in 1967. In 2003, she was honored as a 50 year member in both Order of Amaranth and Order of Eastern Star.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Stelzig; her husband, Roscoe Casper; and her brother, Richard Stelzig. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Hallie Stelzig of Napa, CA; niece, Vicky (Russell) Van DeWark of Napa; niece, Cheryl Stelzig of Daly City, CA; and eight grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She also leaves Marilyn and Jim Webb of East Wenatchee who have been her care giving family for the last eight years, and Ken Perkins of Wenatchee and Amanda Davis of Orondo who have assisted with her care.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 941 Washington Street, on Friday, March 7, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Order of the Amaranth.