Erma M. Petry, 105, of North Manchester, and having ties to Markle, died Sunday, July 15, 2012, at 1:10 a.m. at Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester.

Mrs. Petry graduated from South English High School, South English, IA, and earned a degree from Mt. Morris College in 1929. She taught in Iowa, Alabama and Indiana and assisted her husband in pastoring several churches, including the Markle Church of the Brethren. She was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren, where she served as parish visitor and sang in the choir.

She was born Nov. 28, 1906, near South English, IA, to William and Anna Brower Kerr. She married Ralph Petry on Oct. 8, 1932. Her husband preceded her in death on July 18 1974.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol (Dr. Paul) Burkholder, of Rockford, IL, and Ruth Billings, of Anchorage, AK; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

A service will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 10 a.m., with calling one hour prior to the service, at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East St., North Manchester. Rev. Kent Borgmann will officiate. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Markle Cemetery, Markle.

Preferred memorials are gifts to the Timbercrest Senior Living Community, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962; or Heifer Project International, PO Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203.

McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements.