Erma Brooks

Erma Beth Brooks, 97, of Topeka, passed away, Friday, September 16, 2005 at Briarcliff Care Center. She was born October 30, 1907 in Beloit, KS, the daughter of Abner Hayes and Angela S. McCune McManis.

Erma grew up on a farm in Americus, KS. She graduated from Americus High School as Salutatorian of the 13 member Class of 1927. She attended Lawrence Business College from 1929 to 1932, and took a correspondence course from the Executives Guild in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1938 to 1939.

Erma worked in government service at the county, state and federal levels for 40 years. She was Secretary, for the City Health Department in Lawrence, KS from 1932 to 1937. Assistant City Clerk, of Lawrence from 1937 to 1943; Posting Machine Operator for the Kentucky Department of Health in Louisville, KY, from 1943 to 1944; Civilian Production Administrator of Housing in Topeka, KS from 1946 to 1947; Federal Housing Administrator Supervisor of Clerical Processing in Milwaukee, WI, from 1947 to 1972.

Erma's hobbies were collecting paper dinner napkins, poetry, and clippings of humorous and unusual little-known items.

Erma was a member of the Topeka Church of the Brethren, former member of AARP, a life honorary member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and a retired member, Exempler Degree, of Beta Sigma Phi.

Erma married William D. Brooks on September 4, 1957 and became a widow in 1978.

Survivors include a nephew and several great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will be in Topeka Cemetery.

Mrs. Brooks will lie in state from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Church of the Brethren 1301 NW Rochester Rd. Topeka, KS 66617 or Charity of Donor's Choice.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.