Fuller, Erma May- FamilyLifeNetwork-Dgls
Erma May Fuller spent her life taking care of the people around her. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, and never let a day go by that she wasn't giving back to her family, either with her time, support, or encouragement. She was never selfish, but more importantly she required nothing of those around her and was always ready to forgive. She was also educated and well read, willing to share her knowledge or to learn from others. Over the years, she was witness to many changes in her life and in the world, but through it all she remained a woman with a strong sense family, a love for a church and a deep faith in God.
Erma's story begins in Douglas, Michigan, where on May 9, 1909 she was born to George and Grace (Smalley) Schultz at the home she would reside in for the rest of her life. The village of Douglas is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and at one time was a booming lumber town. In fact, its many forests provided much of the timber that rebuilt Chicago after the great fire in 1871. Since that time, however, most of the forests in Douglas had been cleared, but with its great location on a major waterway, shipping was still a big business. In the early 1900's the economy was plowing full speed ahead powered largely by coal, steel, and the sweat of hardworking Americans. Modern freighters had revolutionized the transportation of bulk goods, and the American steamship JS Ashley was one of those ships sailing the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. From a very young age Erma lived with her parents aboard the JS Ashley as it carried its goods from port to port.
Erma was the only child in her family and the only child living on the ship, so the crew became her second family. Life at sea was not exactly the childhood Erma wanted; she dreamed of going to school and playing outside with children her own age. The crew did their best to make the ship home, throwing her parties on Halloween or building her a swing on the deck. She always appreciated the sentiment, but it just wasn't the same. When she was 8 years old, she got her wish and started attending Douglas Schoolhouse. Her parents remained on the JS Ashley, while she stayed with her grandmother or aunt during the winter months. When Erma was fifteen her parents retired from the shipping business and returned to their permanent home in Douglas. At the time Erma was already attending high school and, although it wasn't always prudent for women growing up in the 1920's to complete their education through the 12th grade, she went on to graduate from Saugatuck High.
As a young woman Erma enjoyed spending nights at the Masonic lodge, or during the summer, at the weekly outdoor movie showing in downtown Douglas. She also loved to spend time reading; some of her favorite subjects were nature and history. After graduation, she first took a job as a Post Mistress for the postal service in Douglas, but later settled on a career as an operator for the Saugatuck Telephone Company. When the company decided to move its operations to South Haven, Erma wanted to continue working for them in South Haven. She not only enjoyed her job, but she also knew that the family could really use her income. So, she made the daily commute to the telephone company up until the time her dad fell ill, and her help was needed more than the extra money at home.
Following the Great Depression, American's were just starting to get their lives back on track so to speak, the struggles of the previous years were lessening and the future was looking brighter than it had in a long time. Erma was also in good spirits, she had just agreed to go on a blind date arranged by her best friends, brother and sister, Franz Thompson and Marge Thorpe. Erma was still single, and they knew of a young man by the name of Kenneth Fuller that would be a perfect fit for her. Much to Erma's surprise and delight he was, so much so that they were married in Douglas on December 6, 1941.
Erma had one child, a daughter named Linda, and the three of them lived in the same home were Erma was born. While Linda was young, Erma helped out as she always had with the family's finances using her creative handy work to earn extra money for clothes and other necessities. She made handkerchiefs, Dutch costumes, and dolls that were sold in a handcraft store in downtown Holland . She not only liked to crochet, but she also enjoyed working in her garden and collecting bird figurines. She still loved to read as well and, now that she was a mother, she would read to her daughter all the time. Linda was always an avid listener whenever her mother would open a book or when she would tell stories and share memories from her childhood. As Linda got a little older and more independent, Erma returned to work as the head housekeeper at Douglas Hospital.
In 1974 at the age of 65, Erma retired from her job at the hospital. Although she was no longer working, she was an active member of the Saugatuck Congregational Church and the Eastern Star. The Eastern Star states in its purpose that it is committed to charity and loving kindness and, as a member, Erma exemplified this. In 1977, Erma's husband Kenneth passed away after a blessed 35 years of marriage. Erma continued to do the things she always had enjoyed, reading, gardening, and now, spending time with her grandchildren. Until she was physically unable to, Erma also remained in the home that she had lived in her whole life, at one time with her parents and later with her own family. This is the home that held all of Erma's most cherished memories and moments with her family and from her life here on earth. And although Erma's family will miss her dearly, they know that she has been called to her new home where she will spend eternity with the Lord.
Erma May Fuller, age 96, of Douglas, died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Hospice House of Holland. Preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth Fuller, on February 10, 1977. Surviving is her daughter, Linda Dine and David Hills, of Douglas; 2 grandchildren, Timothy Dine, of Maryland, and Victoria Dine, of Grand Rapids; 3 Great Grandchildren, Nicholas Perrin, Jessica Dine, and Kenneth Dine; and 1 Great Great Grandchild, Lillian Sophia Perrin.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 2:00 PM, at the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 520 Lake St. , Saugatuck, MI. Officiating will be the Rev. Richard Haferman. Burial will be in Douglas Cemetery.Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 7-9 PM, at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.
Erma May Fuller spent her life taking care of the people around her. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, and never let a day go by that she wasn't giving back to her family, either with her time, support, or encouragement. She was never selfish, but more importantly she required nothing of those around her and was always ready to forgive. She was also educated and well read, willing to share her knowledge or to learn from others. Over the years, she was witness to many changes in her life and in the world, but through it all she remained a woman with a strong sense family, a love for a church and a deep faith in God.
Erma's story begins in Douglas, Michigan, where on May 9, 1909 she was born to George and Grace (Smalley) Schultz at the home she would reside in for the rest of her life. The village of Douglas is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and at one time was a booming lumber town. In fact, its many forests provided much of the timber that rebuilt Chicago after the great fire in 1871. Since that time, however, most of the forests in Douglas had been cleared, but with its great location on a major waterway, shipping was still a big business. In the early 1900's the economy was plowing full speed ahead powered largely by coal, steel, and the sweat of hardworking Americans. Modern freighters had revolutionized the transportation of bulk goods, and the American steamship JS Ashley was one of those ships sailing the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. From a very young age Erma lived with her parents aboard the JS Ashley as it carried its goods from port to port.
Erma was the only child in her family and the only child living on the ship, so the crew became her second family. Life at sea was not exactly the childhood Erma wanted; she dreamed of going to school and playing outside with children her own age. The crew did their best to make the ship home, throwing her parties on Halloween or building her a swing on the deck. She always appreciated the sentiment, but it just wasn't the same. When she was 8 years old, she got her wish and started attending Douglas Schoolhouse. Her parents remained on the JS Ashley, while she stayed with her grandmother or aunt during the winter months. When Erma was fifteen her parents retired from the shipping business and returned to their permanent home in Douglas. At the time Erma was already attending high school and, although it wasn't always prudent for women growing up in the 1920's to complete their education through the 12th grade, she went on to graduate from Saugatuck High.
As a young woman Erma enjoyed spending nights at the Masonic lodge, or during the summer, at the weekly outdoor movie showing in downtown Douglas. She also loved to spend time reading; some of her favorite subjects were nature and history. After graduation, she first took a job as a Post Mistress for the postal service in Douglas, but later settled on a career as an operator for the Saugatuck Telephone Company. When the company decided to move its operations to South Haven, Erma wanted to continue working for them in South Haven. She not only enjoyed her job, but she also knew that the family could really use her income. So, she made the daily commute to the telephone company up until the time her dad fell ill, and her help was needed more than the extra money at home.
Following the Great Depression, American's were just starting to get their lives back on track so to speak, the struggles of the previous years were lessening and the future was looking brighter than it had in a long time. Erma was also in good spirits, she had just agreed to go on a blind date arranged by her best friends, brother and sister, Franz Thompson and Marge Thorpe. Erma was still single, and they knew of a young man by the name of Kenneth Fuller that would be a perfect fit for her. Much to Erma's surprise and delight he was, so much so that they were married in Douglas on December 6, 1941.
Erma had one child, a daughter named Linda, and the three of them lived in the same home were Erma was born. While Linda was young, Erma helped out as she always had with the family's finances using her creative handy work to earn extra money for clothes and other necessities. She made handkerchiefs, Dutch costumes, and dolls that were sold in a handcraft store in downtown Holland . She not only liked to crochet, but she also enjoyed working in her garden and collecting bird figurines. She still loved to read as well and, now that she was a mother, she would read to her daughter all the time. Linda was always an avid listener whenever her mother would open a book or when she would tell stories and share memories from her childhood. As Linda got a little older and more independent, Erma returned to work as the head housekeeper at Douglas Hospital.
In 1974 at the age of 65, Erma retired from her job at the hospital. Although she was no longer working, she was an active member of the Saugatuck Congregational Church and the Eastern Star. The Eastern Star states in its purpose that it is committed to charity and loving kindness and, as a member, Erma exemplified this. In 1977, Erma's husband Kenneth passed away after a blessed 35 years of marriage. Erma continued to do the things she always had enjoyed, reading, gardening, and now, spending time with her grandchildren. Until she was physically unable to, Erma also remained in the home that she had lived in her whole life, at one time with her parents and later with her own family. This is the home that held all of Erma's most cherished memories and moments with her family and from her life here on earth. And although Erma's family will miss her dearly, they know that she has been called to her new home where she will spend eternity with the Lord.
Erma May Fuller, age 96, of Douglas, died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Hospice House of Holland. Preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth Fuller, on February 10, 1977. Surviving is her daughter, Linda Dine and David Hills, of Douglas; 2 grandchildren, Timothy Dine, of Maryland, and Victoria Dine, of Grand Rapids; 3 Great Grandchildren, Nicholas Perrin, Jessica Dine, and Kenneth Dine; and 1 Great Great Grandchild, Lillian Sophia Perrin.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 2:00 PM, at the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 520 Lake St. , Saugatuck, MI. Officiating will be the Rev. Richard Haferman. Burial will be in Douglas Cemetery.Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 7-9 PM, at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.
Fuller, Erma May- FamilyLifeNetwork-Dgls
Erma May Fuller spent her life taking care of the people around her. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, and never let a day go by that she wasn't giving back to her family, either with her time, support, or encouragement. She was never selfish, but more importantly she required nothing of those around her and was always ready to forgive. She was also educated and well read, willing to share her knowledge or to learn from others. Over the years, she was witness to many changes in her life and in the world, but through it all she remained a woman with a strong sense family, a love for a church and a deep faith in God.
Erma's story begins in Douglas, Michigan, where on May 9, 1909 she was born to George and Grace (Smalley) Schultz at the home she would reside in for the rest of her life. The village of Douglas is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and at one time was a booming lumber town. In fact, its many forests provided much of the timber that rebuilt Chicago after the great fire in 1871. Since that time, however, most of the forests in Douglas had been cleared, but with its great location on a major waterway, shipping was still a big business. In the early 1900's the economy was plowing full speed ahead powered largely by coal, steel, and the sweat of hardworking Americans. Modern freighters had revolutionized the transportation of bulk goods, and the American steamship JS Ashley was one of those ships sailing the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. From a very young age Erma lived with her parents aboard the JS Ashley as it carried its goods from port to port.
Erma was the only child in her family and the only child living on the ship, so the crew became her second family. Life at sea was not exactly the childhood Erma wanted; she dreamed of going to school and playing outside with children her own age. The crew did their best to make the ship home, throwing her parties on Halloween or building her a swing on the deck. She always appreciated the sentiment, but it just wasn't the same. When she was 8 years old, she got her wish and started attending Douglas Schoolhouse. Her parents remained on the JS Ashley, while she stayed with her grandmother or aunt during the winter months. When Erma was fifteen her parents retired from the shipping business and returned to their permanent home in Douglas. At the time Erma was already attending high school and, although it wasn't always prudent for women growing up in the 1920's to complete their education through the 12th grade, she went on to graduate from Saugatuck High.
As a young woman Erma enjoyed spending nights at the Masonic lodge, or during the summer, at the weekly outdoor movie showing in downtown Douglas. She also loved to spend time reading; some of her favorite subjects were nature and history. After graduation, she first took a job as a Post Mistress for the postal service in Douglas, but later settled on a career as an operator for the Saugatuck Telephone Company. When the company decided to move its operations to South Haven, Erma wanted to continue working for them in South Haven. She not only enjoyed her job, but she also knew that the family could really use her income. So, she made the daily commute to the telephone company up until the time her dad fell ill, and her help was needed more than the extra money at home.
Following the Great Depression, American's were just starting to get their lives back on track so to speak, the struggles of the previous years were lessening and the future was looking brighter than it had in a long time. Erma was also in good spirits, she had just agreed to go on a blind date arranged by her best friends, brother and sister, Franz Thompson and Marge Thorpe. Erma was still single, and they knew of a young man by the name of Kenneth Fuller that would be a perfect fit for her. Much to Erma's surprise and delight he was, so much so that they were married in Douglas on December 6, 1941.
Erma had one child, a daughter named Linda, and the three of them lived in the same home were Erma was born. While Linda was young, Erma helped out as she always had with the family's finances using her creative handy work to earn extra money for clothes and other necessities. She made handkerchiefs, Dutch costumes, and dolls that were sold in a handcraft store in downtown Holland . She not only liked to crochet, but she also enjoyed working in her garden and collecting bird figurines. She still loved to read as well and, now that she was a mother, she would read to her daughter all the time. Linda was always an avid listener whenever her mother would open a book or when she would tell stories and share memories from her childhood. As Linda got a little older and more independent, Erma returned to work as the head housekeeper at Douglas Hospital.
In 1974 at the age of 65, Erma retired from her job at the hospital. Although she was no longer working, she was an active member of the Saugatuck Congregational Church and the Eastern Star. The Eastern Star states in its purpose that it is committed to charity and loving kindness and, as a member, Erma exemplified this. In 1977, Erma's husband Kenneth passed away after a blessed 35 years of marriage. Erma continued to do the things she always had enjoyed, reading, gardening, and now, spending time with her grandchildren. Until she was physically unable to, Erma also remained in the home that she had lived in her whole life, at one time with her parents and later with her own family. This is the home that held all of Erma's most cherished memories and moments with her family and from her life here on earth. And although Erma's family will miss her dearly, they know that she has been called to her new home where she will spend eternity with the Lord.
Erma May Fuller, age 96, of Douglas, died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Hospice House of Holland. Preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth Fuller, on February 10, 1977. Surviving is her daughter, Linda Dine and David Hills, of Douglas; 2 grandchildren, Timothy Dine, of Maryland, and Victoria Dine, of Grand Rapids; 3 Great Grandchildren, Nicholas Perrin, Jessica Dine, and Kenneth Dine; and 1 Great Great Grandchild, Lillian Sophia Perrin.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 2:00 PM, at the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 520 Lake St. , Saugatuck, MI. Officiating will be the Rev. Richard Haferman. Burial will be in Douglas Cemetery.Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 7-9 PM, at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.
Erma May Fuller spent her life taking care of the people around her. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, and never let a day go by that she wasn't giving back to her family, either with her time, support, or encouragement. She was never selfish, but more importantly she required nothing of those around her and was always ready to forgive. She was also educated and well read, willing to share her knowledge or to learn from others. Over the years, she was witness to many changes in her life and in the world, but through it all she remained a woman with a strong sense family, a love for a church and a deep faith in God.
Erma's story begins in Douglas, Michigan, where on May 9, 1909 she was born to George and Grace (Smalley) Schultz at the home she would reside in for the rest of her life. The village of Douglas is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and at one time was a booming lumber town. In fact, its many forests provided much of the timber that rebuilt Chicago after the great fire in 1871. Since that time, however, most of the forests in Douglas had been cleared, but with its great location on a major waterway, shipping was still a big business. In the early 1900's the economy was plowing full speed ahead powered largely by coal, steel, and the sweat of hardworking Americans. Modern freighters had revolutionized the transportation of bulk goods, and the American steamship JS Ashley was one of those ships sailing the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. From a very young age Erma lived with her parents aboard the JS Ashley as it carried its goods from port to port.
Erma was the only child in her family and the only child living on the ship, so the crew became her second family. Life at sea was not exactly the childhood Erma wanted; she dreamed of going to school and playing outside with children her own age. The crew did their best to make the ship home, throwing her parties on Halloween or building her a swing on the deck. She always appreciated the sentiment, but it just wasn't the same. When she was 8 years old, she got her wish and started attending Douglas Schoolhouse. Her parents remained on the JS Ashley, while she stayed with her grandmother or aunt during the winter months. When Erma was fifteen her parents retired from the shipping business and returned to their permanent home in Douglas. At the time Erma was already attending high school and, although it wasn't always prudent for women growing up in the 1920's to complete their education through the 12th grade, she went on to graduate from Saugatuck High.
As a young woman Erma enjoyed spending nights at the Masonic lodge, or during the summer, at the weekly outdoor movie showing in downtown Douglas. She also loved to spend time reading; some of her favorite subjects were nature and history. After graduation, she first took a job as a Post Mistress for the postal service in Douglas, but later settled on a career as an operator for the Saugatuck Telephone Company. When the company decided to move its operations to South Haven, Erma wanted to continue working for them in South Haven. She not only enjoyed her job, but she also knew that the family could really use her income. So, she made the daily commute to the telephone company up until the time her dad fell ill, and her help was needed more than the extra money at home.
Following the Great Depression, American's were just starting to get their lives back on track so to speak, the struggles of the previous years were lessening and the future was looking brighter than it had in a long time. Erma was also in good spirits, she had just agreed to go on a blind date arranged by her best friends, brother and sister, Franz Thompson and Marge Thorpe. Erma was still single, and they knew of a young man by the name of Kenneth Fuller that would be a perfect fit for her. Much to Erma's surprise and delight he was, so much so that they were married in Douglas on December 6, 1941.
Erma had one child, a daughter named Linda, and the three of them lived in the same home were Erma was born. While Linda was young, Erma helped out as she always had with the family's finances using her creative handy work to earn extra money for clothes and other necessities. She made handkerchiefs, Dutch costumes, and dolls that were sold in a handcraft store in downtown Holland . She not only liked to crochet, but she also enjoyed working in her garden and collecting bird figurines. She still loved to read as well and, now that she was a mother, she would read to her daughter all the time. Linda was always an avid listener whenever her mother would open a book or when she would tell stories and share memories from her childhood. As Linda got a little older and more independent, Erma returned to work as the head housekeeper at Douglas Hospital.
In 1974 at the age of 65, Erma retired from her job at the hospital. Although she was no longer working, she was an active member of the Saugatuck Congregational Church and the Eastern Star. The Eastern Star states in its purpose that it is committed to charity and loving kindness and, as a member, Erma exemplified this. In 1977, Erma's husband Kenneth passed away after a blessed 35 years of marriage. Erma continued to do the things she always had enjoyed, reading, gardening, and now, spending time with her grandchildren. Until she was physically unable to, Erma also remained in the home that she had lived in her whole life, at one time with her parents and later with her own family. This is the home that held all of Erma's most cherished memories and moments with her family and from her life here on earth. And although Erma's family will miss her dearly, they know that she has been called to her new home where she will spend eternity with the Lord.
Erma May Fuller, age 96, of Douglas, died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Hospice House of Holland. Preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth Fuller, on February 10, 1977. Surviving is her daughter, Linda Dine and David Hills, of Douglas; 2 grandchildren, Timothy Dine, of Maryland, and Victoria Dine, of Grand Rapids; 3 Great Grandchildren, Nicholas Perrin, Jessica Dine, and Kenneth Dine; and 1 Great Great Grandchild, Lillian Sophia Perrin.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, 2:00 PM, at the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 520 Lake St. , Saugatuck, MI. Officiating will be the Rev. Richard Haferman. Burial will be in Douglas Cemetery.Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 7-9 PM, at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.
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