Erma Mae Kallenborn

Erma (Ries) Kallenborn, age 95, passed away peacefully at her home on November 18th, 2025, surrounded by family.

If someone were to write a script of a life well lived, none would be as rich, as loving, or as full of spirit as Erma's. She was born on November 8th, 1930, at the family farm next to Ling Airfield in Sherman Ohio, to Mildred (Ling) and Leland Ries. Growing up on the farm with her siblings-Ruth, Bob, and Mary-gave her some of her most cherished memories.

Her favorite memory being a day spent picking corn. The horses pulling the wagon got spooked and bolted down the road. Grandpa tried his best to catch up, but the horses and the runaway wagon kept racing ahead, with everyone chasing after them as corn flew everywhere! It was a story that brought laughter and chuckles for many years.

She attended school at Sherman Elementary, and then Norton Highschool where she played saxophone in the school band.

After marrying her husband, Carl, she moved to Doylestown to start their family and became a lifelong resident. After 57 years of marriage, Carl passed away in 2008.

A devoted wife and mother, Erma remained at home with her children, David, Karla, Tammy and Dean before beginning an impactful 25-year career as a school bus driver for Chippewa Local Schools. To this day, she is remembered by students, parents, and fellow drivers for her dedication and the legacy she left within the community. She knew every road, turnaround and hidden driveway in the county by heart, giving GPS a run for its money, long before it even existed.

She and Carl spent countless hours on Lake Erie, happily fishing for walleye and enjoying fish fries with their family. She was an accomplished bowler and golfer, participating in numerous leagues throughout her life. She remained a formidable Euchre player until the end, delighting in every game and truly cherishing the friendships she shared with her fellow players. The laughter, friendly competition, and camaraderie at the card table brought her great joy throughout her life.

In her later years, Erma embraced the role of grandmother to everyone around her. Many who weren't family by blood still called her Grandma Erma and felt her love and care as if they were her own.

Erma had a love/hate relationship with Cleveland sports. She tuned in to every Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers game, sticking with her teams through every win and loss, and often sharing her spirited commentary on Facebook.

She enjoyed cooking her famous dishes for every family event, and passed down her recipes for buttered noodles, deviled eggs, buckeyes, tartar sauce and many more.

Erma is remembered for a life marked by strength, resilience, perfectly timed humor, and unwavering devotion to family. These qualities defined her and will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. With her passing it truly feels like the end of an era for our family.

She is survived by her children Tammy (John) Betancourt, Karla (the late David) Oyler, Dean (Leslie) Kallenborn, nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She has been joyfully reunited with her husband Carl Kallenborn, her son David Kallenborn, her parents Mildred and Leland Ries, her grandparents Jacob & Luella Ling, and her siblings Ruth, Mary, and Robert.

"Good times never seemed so good" – her memory will always lift us.

In keeping with Erma's wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family will hold private graveside services at a later date.

Words of comfort may be shared with Erma's family on her tribute page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.

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