Erma June (Yates) Burns of Ferndale, Washington, passed peacefully into Jesus’ arms July 4, 2011, at Rose Circle Adult Family Home with her daughter and granddaughters at her side.
Erma June was born Feb. 2, 1923 in Snoqualmie, Washington, to James and Flora W. Yates. Erma June spent most of her life serving others. Her 19 years of counseling at Mirror Lake Youth Camp was a high light of her life. During one of the early years, she chased some of the teenage boys away from “her” girls group with a broom. From then on she was named “Sister Broomstick.” In later years she lived and worked at Bethel Temple in Seattle, where several Bible school students spent hours in her living room. She still heard from many of those students many years later. Erma then moved to Whatcom County to be closer to family.
Erma June was preceded in death by her son, Robert J. Adair and a brother, James Yates. She is survived by her daughter, Robin (Timothy) Jacobson; son, Ronald (Terry) McPherson; grandchildren, Lori Schiewek, Wendi Wong, Dianna Adair-Coakwell, Laura Adair, Ron McPherson JR, Robert McPherson, and Rick McPherson; great-grandchildren, Danielle Schiewek, Nate Schiewek, Zack Schiewek, Emma Wong, Malia Wong, River Coakwell, Ian McPherson, and Vanessa McPherson; sister Helen Yates of Auburn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the women of Rose Circle for their loving care of our mother and grandmother. Thank you Pat, Laurita, Genora and Nicole. The kindness you showed our Miss Erma and family warmed our hearts.
Memorial services for Erma June (Yates) Burns will be held on Friday, August 5th, 2:00 PM, at Bellingham Covenant Church. If you would like to write a short note to be read at the service, please do. It can be sent to June’s daughter, Robin Jacobson,  6350 Portal Way #48, Ferndale, WA 98248. Memorial notes will be read at the service on August 5. Robin said, “I want the service to make sure our younger generation understands what Mom’s life was built around. We have family and caregivers coming (to the memorial service) who don’t know our Lord.”
You may also share your thoughts and memories of Erma in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel
Published in Bellingham Herald from July 10 to July 11, 2011
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