Erma Jeanne was born, November 27, 1921 in Palmyra, Illinois to Ralph and Ruth (Wise) Dawson. She was one of four siblings. In 1935, the family had moved from Ponca City, Oklahoma to Escalon, CA where they called home. In 1943, Erma married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Barton. They spent 56 happy years together until his passing in 1999.
Erma Jeanne and Bob settled on a walnut farm in Escalon, where they built a cozy home and raised their sons, Paul, Alan and Glen. They went on later to love and nurture 11 foster children, as well as touching the lives of the many other children in their family, church and community. Erma was a lifelong contributor to the wellbeing and life of church, Escalon Presbyterian, serving as elder, deacon, Bible study leader, and on the church building committee. Her church and faith were firm cornerstones for her life, and she attended services as often as possible, even after moving to Casa de Modesto. She especially enjoyed seeing the growing number of children in the congregation.
In her addition to her work at home, she was also a fixture at Bengston’s, a landmark of retail in Escalon for many years. After her Bengston’s years, Erma Jeanne was the owner of the Butterfly Boutique in Escalon in the 1980’s. She continued to enjoy fashion her whole life.
She founded and led the Senior Exercise class at the Escalon Community Center. She was also a member of the Escalon Historical Society and a charter member of the Escalon Republican Women. Erma Jeanne donated money to build the children’s pool at the Escalon Community Pool, in honor of her husband, Bob. She enjoyed gardening, and always had a beautiful garden.
Erma Jeanne is reunited in Heaven with her beloved Bob, her parents, sister Pauline and brother Ralph. She is survived by her brother, Dick (Karyn), sons Paul (Helen), Alan (Sue) and Glen (Linda), niece Susan Napier (Kirby), who was like a daughter to her, seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many other nieces and nephews.
Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Barton family. A church service will be held for Erma Jeanne Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Escalon Presbyterian Church, 1612 First St., Escalon, CA 95320. Remembrances may be made to Escalon Presbyterian Church. To send condolences to the family, please visit Erma’s tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com
The Escalon (Calif) Times
Erma Jeanne and Bob settled on a walnut farm in Escalon, where they built a cozy home and raised their sons, Paul, Alan and Glen. They went on later to love and nurture 11 foster children, as well as touching the lives of the many other children in their family, church and community. Erma was a lifelong contributor to the wellbeing and life of church, Escalon Presbyterian, serving as elder, deacon, Bible study leader, and on the church building committee. Her church and faith were firm cornerstones for her life, and she attended services as often as possible, even after moving to Casa de Modesto. She especially enjoyed seeing the growing number of children in the congregation.
In her addition to her work at home, she was also a fixture at Bengston’s, a landmark of retail in Escalon for many years. After her Bengston’s years, Erma Jeanne was the owner of the Butterfly Boutique in Escalon in the 1980’s. She continued to enjoy fashion her whole life.
She founded and led the Senior Exercise class at the Escalon Community Center. She was also a member of the Escalon Historical Society and a charter member of the Escalon Republican Women. Erma Jeanne donated money to build the children’s pool at the Escalon Community Pool, in honor of her husband, Bob. She enjoyed gardening, and always had a beautiful garden.
Erma Jeanne is reunited in Heaven with her beloved Bob, her parents, sister Pauline and brother Ralph. She is survived by her brother, Dick (Karyn), sons Paul (Helen), Alan (Sue) and Glen (Linda), niece Susan Napier (Kirby), who was like a daughter to her, seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many other nieces and nephews.
Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Barton family. A church service will be held for Erma Jeanne Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Escalon Presbyterian Church, 1612 First St., Escalon, CA 95320. Remembrances may be made to Escalon Presbyterian Church. To send condolences to the family, please visit Erma’s tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com
The Escalon (Calif) Times
Dec. 4, 2019
