Erma Mae Stratton

Erma Mae Stratton, 94, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday July 4, 2006, at Park Village Assisted Living in Dover.A daughter of the late Charles and Lillie Young Gotthardt, Erma was born March 26, 1912, near New Waterford, O.She was a co-owner and operator, along with her husband, of the former Stratton Department Store and Stratton Merchandise Company, in Dennison. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Dennison and had attended South Broadway United Methodist Church, in New Philadelphia.Erma was a member of A.A.R.P., the Palette Club, the Tuscarawas County Art Guild, she created oil paintings and crocheted, and enjoyed dancing.She is survived by three sons, Bruce A. Stratton, of Montecito, CA., John W. (Britt) Stratton, of New Philadelphia, and Charles L. (Carolyn) Stratton, of Grand Junction, CO.; grandchildren, Elyse K. Stratton and Tyler K. Stratton, both of California and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles L. Stratton, whom she married July 3, 1930; a grandson Stuart Stratton and brothers, Forrest, Lester and Edward Gotthardt.Visitation will be Friday, July 7, 2006, from 2 till 4 p.m. and 6 till 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m till 11:00 a.m in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be beside her husband at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia.Those wishing to view an online memorial or share personal remembrances are invited to visit the funeral home website. www.geibfuneral.comMemorial contributions in memory of Erma may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibfuneral.com