Erma Mae Kemphfer

Erma Mae Kemphfer, 86, of Dover, went home to the loving arms of Jesus on October 19, 2021 at Hennis Care Center at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in Cumberland, Maryland on November 2, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Elmer H. and Celesta Pearl (Cooke) Upole.

While in Mt. Lake Park, Maryland at a roller-skating rink, Erma met her loving husband, Wellington “Bill” Kemphfer, Sr. They wed on October 4, 1952 and have lived a blessed life together for 69 married years.

After relocating to Ohio with Bill’s job, Erma began work for the City of Dover where she floated between departments assisting in whatever task was necessary. Then, she and Bill opened Dover Sewing Center in 1986, serving the community’s seamstress needs for 11 years before retiring. Erma was a gifted seamstress, but most importantly, was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Bill, Erma, and their family spent many wonderful moments on their family property on the side of the mountain in Maryland. They also loved to “roam the world” in their motorhome.

Erma will be deeply missed by Bill; her children, Bill (JoAnn) Kemphfer, Jr., Gail (Bill) Houglan, Richard Kemphfer, and Michael (Melissa) Kemphfer, all of Dover; 6 grandchildren, Eric, Kevin, Gary, Larry, Alixandra, and Madilyn; and 4 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Erma was preceded in death by her brother.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 12 to 1 p.m. with a service led by Pastor David Wing beginning at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Erma’s memory may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

The Kemphfer family expresses their sincere thanks for the love and care provided to Erma by the staff at Hennis Care Centre in Dover.