ERMA LORRAINE (KRICK) BEARD (91) went to dwell in her forever home with her Lord on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from York Hospital. She was surrounded by her loving family as they held her hand till her final moments. Born on November 5, 1931 at home in the Krick Family House in Peach Bottom Township, PA, she was the middle of three daughters born to the late Hugh Albert Krick and Frances Marie (Burkins) Krick. Married on November 24, 1951 to the late Caleb “Bud” Edwell Beard, they had shared 57 years of marriage at the time of his death in March 2008.
Erma was a 1949 graduate of the former Delta High School and continued her education with Thompson Business School. Upon graduation, Erma worked for Aberdeen Proving Ground before becoming a fulltime homemaker and “Mom “to her four children. When time allowed, she worked part-time for Susquehanna Orchards in Delta. Both Erma and her late husband loved flowers. He was always arranging flowers for their home, church and other events while she was growing all sorts of flowers in the garden and yard. Erma along with his help, was able to relocate the geraniums to an upper porch and keep them through the cold weather and then bring them out for the warm months. Remarkably, some lasting for 30 years. The Beard Family always planted a huge garden with Erma canning fruits and vegetables each year.
A lifetime member of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, Erma had been a Sunday School Teacher, active with the UMW (United Methodist Women) helped in the kitchen with church dinners and luncheons and when the church fundraiser chow-chow was being made, she was the final approval for each step of the way. Erma had a strong faith in God, cherished her family, church family, community and friends.
Erma is survived by:
Four children-Garry Beard (Debra) of Delta; Kay Sprenkle (Gary) of Brogue; Jeffrey Beard (Julie) of Felton; Shirley Overmiller (Barry) of Brogue. Four grandchildren-Lauren Beard (Kyle)- Kyle Overmiller (Marlaina)- Hannah Beard (Chase)- Kelsee Overmiller (Garret) and two step grandchildren-Rebekah Backhaus (Joe) and Jason Smith (Kate). Erma was blessed with two great granddaughters-Wella Nightingale Beard Dellinger and Flora Shawn McCullough and two additional expected soon. Six step great grandchildren-Emily, Cassidy, Claire, Kolten, Sofia and Henry. She was preceded in death by her sisters-Dorothy K. Stewart and Leona M. Smith and two grandchildren.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Mt. Nebo UMC, 962 Flintville Road, Delta with a viewing from 11 – 12:45 p.m. followed with the funeral at 1 p.m. with her minister, Pastor Donald S. Rowe officiating. Interment will be held in the adjoining church cemetery and a luncheon will follow in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate memorial contributions to Mt. Nebo Cemetery, C/O Debbie Beard, 419 Burke Rd., Delta, PA 17314.