Obituary of Erma Schafer

Erma Schafer was born May 24, 1910 in McCook, Nebraska. She passed away November 10, 2010 at the Lincoln Community Hospital in Hugo, Colorado. Erma was the daughter of Ella Somerville Garlick and Guy Emory Garlick. When she was a year old she came to Colorado with her family to a dairy ranch 11 miles north of Limon. Her parents planned and built the building, later known as the Templeman Place. After her father’s tragic death in 1916, she returned to McCook to stay with her grandparents, while her mother’s brother took over the dairy operation. Three years later the family returned to Limon in 1919 at which time, her mother built a boarding home and provided a room and 3 meals a day for $1.00 a day. Her mother worked hard raising 4 small children and was determined that all should receive a college degree. Thus, Erma graduated with a B.S. degree from Colorado State University and belonged to Gamma Phi. Erma excelled in archery and she and two other girls put on many archery exhibitions for the college at ½ time. She also played on the championship Limon basketball team. After college she worked one year for her uncle, Judge Somerville, in Hugo, then taught for 2 years in Limon. Bob and Erma met in college and were married in 1936, residing at the ranch in Boyero, Colorado. She took an active part in the community life after her marriage, serving on the Boyero school board, president of the Boyero Ladies Aid, 4/H leader for 10 years, member of the Lincoln County Cowbells and holding all offices, belonging to the State and National Cattlewomen, a Colorado Master Home Maker in 1967, served as precinct committee woman for 30 years, and was Grand Marshal at the Lincoln County Fair in 1988. She was a member of the Hugo Methodist Church and was a great asset to her husband during the years he served in the State Legislature. After her husband’s death in 1984, she and her sisters did extensive traveling to all the continents, but loved cruises most of all. Preceding her in death was her parents, her brother Bob, sisters Ruth Stephens and Lilian Luther. She is survived by her sons, John Keith and wife Sharen, Gary and wife Sharon, and one granddaughter Kate who is currently in S.E. Asia. Also surviving Erma are 1 niece, 2 nephews, four cousins, 6 great nieces, 16 great great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.