Erma was born on August 10th, 1936, to Elmo J. Rathbun and his wife Daisy M. Rathbun. She grew up in Bennettsburg, NY and as a child loved her pets, farming and gardening with her parents, spending time with family members on outings and picnics and playing croquet and canasta. Erma played the clarinet and piano and enjoyed music, especially classical and jazz, throughout her life. She received a bachelor’s degree at Fredonia State University in New York and later became a music teacher. She was a great cook and homemaker, and home was not complete without a cat or dog; she dearly loved her pets.
Erma met and married Fred C. Hunt, and the couple relocated to the California Bay Area in 1963, where their daughter Debbie was born. Erma worked from home, then began a career as a CNA. When the family relocated to the Hornbrook area, Erma worked at Beverly Manor, then at Madrone Hospice. Her nursing career spanned more than 30 years, and she was much loved by her patients and their families. Upon retirement, Erma volunteered at the Humane Society Thrift Store, the Hospice Thrift Shop, and later at the Rescue Ranch Thrift Shop. She moved into Yreka where she was surrounded by many close friends, especially Jodi Wilson, Judy Powell, and David and Cindy Small, all of whom she loved dearly. She will be missed.
Gratitude and respect to the entire staff of Madrone Hospice for the wonderful care provided to my mother.
Donations can be made to Madrone Hospice and to the Rescue Ranch Yreka.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 8th 2025 at 11 am at 800 Jasper Pl. in the community hall room.
Celebration of Life
March 8th 2025
11:00 am
community hall
800 Jasper Pl.
Sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
