Erma Trowbridge

Erma L. Trowbridge, age 88, of Topeka, Kansas, died November 18, 2016. She had been a resident of Topeka Presbyterian Manor for more than a year. Born September 12, 1928, to Noble Curtis Remington and Florence Esther Rowe, Erma grew up near Carbondale, Kansas and later earned her GED. One of 12 children. On March 4, 1949, she married Junior Lee "Joe" Trowbridge in Topeka. Erma and Joe lived in California while Joe served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. They made their home in Topeka's Potwin neighborhood. Erma worked for many years at Raish Drugstore and for Wilson's Pharmacy at the corner of Washburn and Fifth Avenue, serving lunch and handcrafted sodas at the Pharmacy's soda fountain. Later, Erma worked in the Kansas Department of Revenue, retiring in 1995 after more than 16 years. Erma was an active member of Potwin Presbyterian Church and, until a year ago, she volunteered at St. Francis Hospital. For more than 63 years, Erma was a member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. She was initialed to the Topeka Capitola #219 Lodge on April 7, 1947. The Capitola merged with the Oakland #616 Lodge, which later merged with the El Paso (Derby) #741 Lodge. She was a Padt Treasurer of the Kansas Rebekah Assembly and received Meritorious Service Jewel in 2010. Additionally, she was a member of Topeka Auxiliary No. 3, Ladies Auxiliary Patriachs Militant and Shawnee Ladies Encampment Auxiliary No. 3 of the IOOF of Kansas. She was a Past President of the LEPM and a Past Grand Matriach of the LEA. During Erma's service to others, she made many lasting friendships as a hospital volunteer and with other Lodge members as a regular participant at state and national conventions. Participants at the Lodge's bingo evenings and other benefit events enjoyed her homemade soups and desserts. Erma was also a member of the Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union for more than 55 years. She is survived by son Marc Alan Trowbridge, and wife Nancy, Houston; and two younger siblings, Robert Remington, wife Viola, Topeka; and Donald Remington, wife Anita, Carbondale. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe Trowbridge (2008) and siblings Marie Waetzig, Lucille Addington, Helen Boaz, Marvin Remington, Raymond Remington, Beulah Jean Gish, Pearl Moore, Idell Piper and Hazel Mae Owens and many nieces and nephews.. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 pm Tuesday, November 22, before the 2 pm funeral services at Penwell Gabel Mid-town Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th St., Topeka. Burial will follow in the Topeka Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Potwin Presbyterian Church or the St. Francis Hospital Childrens Miracle Network and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys, KS 66536.