Erma Umbarger, 90, of Genoa, Nebraska, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the Genoa Community Hospital LTC.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 11:00 A.M. at the Genoa United Methodist Church with Pastor Anny Kapundu and Pastor Vern Olson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Genoa Methodist Church or the Umbarger Education Scholarship Fund. The service will be broadcast live on the Gass Haney Facebook page.

Erma Jean West was born January 13, 1931, in Ogallala, Nebraska to Gordon and Edith (Schuler) West. She grew up in Ogallala and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1949. She and George Umbarger met at Nebraska Wesleyan and were united in marriage on August 27, 1950 in Ogallala. After completing her Bachelor of Education at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1967. Erma continued her education at the University of Omaha and completed her Master's Degree. She taught 3rd Grade in St. Edward, Nebraska for many years then began teaching Reading Skills in various Boone County schools for Educational Service Unit #7. She developed a Title III Preschool program in St. Edward and acted as its Director. Erma loved sewing and making quilts and table runners for every occasion. She was a member of the Genoa United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Searches group and she and George served as the Church Treasurer for 20 years. She took great pride in her family and especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren.

Erma is survived by:
Son: Jerry Umbarger (Anne) of Franklin, MA
Son: Stan Umbarger of Genoa, NE
Daughter: Karma (Steve) Nehrig of Omaha, NE
Son: Bruce (Denice) Umbarger of Pickstown, SD
Grandchildren: Mark (Stefanie) Umbarger
Michael (Alexandra) Umbarger
Heather (Todd) Hansen
Jason Nehrig
Great Grandchildren: Stephen Nehrig
Kylie Nehrig
Ryan Umbarger
Ashley Umbarger

Erma is preceded in death by:
Parents: Gordon and Edith West
Husband: George Umbarger
Sisters: Cleo Westerbuhr
Ethel Peters
Carol Ness