Erma Webster

Longtime Alaskan Erma Marie Webster, 81, died Sept. 27, 2009, in Anchorage. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church. Her family wrote: "Erma was many things to many people: Poet, artist, friend, comedian, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. More people called her 'Mom' than just her Don, Gary and Becki. Living in Alaska for over 40 years, she finally allowed herself to be called a 'sourdough.' Her love for Alaska kept her adventuresome spirit going. The spirit of Alaska was the inspiration for her poetry and paintings. "Born June 1, 1928, in a little place called Eaton, Ohio, Mom grew up during hard times. It was what tempered the strength of her character. Her strength was an inspiration for us all. "In 1967 came an inescapable call. It drew the family to Alaska. Alaska was still a frontier then, and a little place called Indian River became our home. Living on a homestead, we hunted, fished and trapped. We lived our dream in Alaska. Part of Mom has always maintained that Indian River dream, even when the family relocated to Anchorage so many years ago. "Erma had a love for all things Alaskan. The frontier spirit, watching the gentle falling of the snow, the sound of rain, watching the sun rise and set, a hot cup of coffee, the laughter of children, the visit of friends, and her family. This love shined through in her paintings and poetry, and it shined through in her life. "Mom was independent and the 'rock' of the family. She didn't fit into a mold or follow a standard -- she set her own. She forged her own way through life, creating throughout her lifetime. As a result, she answered many calls. The call of Alaska, her service through church, the call of her creativity, and now this final call. "In this new adventure, she is reunited with Dad and the rest of her family." Her family added that she is much loved and her presence will be missed. She leaves to remember her: Don, Becki, Gary, Shellie, Shirley, Joyce, Alan and Jim. Arrangements are with Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory in Anchorage.