Erma Johnson Mather

Erma Johnson Mather, 87, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at the Legacy House in Logan, Utah. Erma and her husband Conrad lived 62 years in their home at 314 West First North in Smithfield, Utah. She was the first child of George Henry Johnson and Mary Ann Smith in Richmond, Utah. They moved to Lewiston, where she lived on the family farm until her marriage to Conrad. Erma and Conrad were married in the Logan LDS Temple September 29, 1936. Erma and Conrad are parents of 5 children: Glayd Sharon, Garth Sharee, Gary Rosa and Guila Jeff. They have 24 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Also, Conrad?s sister, Mary?s sons Bill and Jack lived with them, while completing high school. She attended schools in Lewiston and North Cache High School in Richmond, where she enjoyed writing and drawing. In her youth, she worked on her family?s farm. Her family had little money, so her father did not have money to hire help. Being the oldest child, she needed to work after school and during the summer. Driving cows to the barn, hand milking cows, thinning sugar beets, hoeing weeds out of potatoes, driving a team of horses to mow and rake hay, was some of the farm work she did. Also, working at the Lewiston Drug Store, she earned 10 cents an hour to help her family. Erma and her mother worked together a lot making bread, popcorn and candy; bottling meat, vegetables and fruit; cooking delicious meals; cleaning and sewing their clothes; and crocheting pillow cases and bed and table covers for their family, relatives and friends. A special time was when her mother would give her 3 eggs, so that she could go to town with a friend and buy candy, or go to a movie. The Lewiston 4th of July was particularly special, because she usually got a new dress and bottle of pop. But best of all, it was the one day she didn?t have to work. A friend introduced Erma to Conrad at North Cache. They wrote in each others yearbooks, went for a ride in his brother?s car, went to a lot of dances and the rest is history. What she learned from her father and mother, she then did for her husband and children. Her purpose for living each day was her family. Her family would like to thank everyone who helped their Mom during her illnesses over the years. Now she can get back to doing her life?s activities with the mental and physical vigor that she had during the busy and fun part of her life. Mom, you are special and will not be forgotten! Her family and friends may call Friday evening from 7:30 to 8:340 pm at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield, and Saturday, July 23 at the Smithfield 1st Ward Church, 175 South 100 West from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. The funeral services will be held in the chapel at 2:30 pm. Interment will be in the Smithfield Cemetery, after the services. All are welcome in her home at 314 West 100 North in Smithfield, whenever a visit is possible. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .