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In memory of

Erma Gabriel

of Pedro, South Dakota, died on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 92

Erma Rose Coleman was born November 24, 1916, in Harrison County near Moorehead, Iowa, the daughter of Orrin and Goldie (Thomas) Coleman. Erma’s family lived on a small farm in the Woodbine, Iowa area until they moved to the Cottonwood, South Dakota area in 1931. The family homesteaded north of Grindstone, South Dakota raising sheep and hogs. Erma attended the Lincoln School, north of Grindstone, through the 8th grade. She helped her dad on the family farm-ranch and loved being outside with the animals. She always said she wasn’t much of a “house person” in her younger years. Erma took a job in Philip working for the WPA as a seamstress. With the earnings from WPA, she purchased property in the Dowling area, in northwest Haakon County. 

On May 17, 1941, Erma married Raymond “Earl” Gabriel in Philip. For a while they resided with Floyd and Tressa Gabriel (Erma’s sister and Earl’s brother) in the south portion of their house. It was here they began their ranching life, raising sheep. Around 1943, they moved to northwest Haakon County, to what was known as the Moses Place. There they raised sheep and broke horses to make a living. Erma loved training her sheep dogs, and Earl always said he didn’t need a fast horse because Erma could run nearly as fast as a horse. Later they included cattle on their ranching operation, and eventually sold the sheep. In August 1961, Erma and Earl adopted their daughter, Cindy Rae. Erma brought her home from Minnesota when she was 3 days old, and she was the light of their lives. In 1963, they moved to northeastern Pennington County , along Deep Creek, near the old town of Pedro. They continued to ranch, raise cattle and live there until they moved to Philip in 2004, due to health reasons. They moved to the Kadoka Nursing Home in October of 2006, where she resided with Earl until her passing. 

Erma and Earl loved square dancing in their early married years, and they always enjoyed a game of cards with friends or an evening of just visiting. Everyone who came to Erma’s house got the same welcome “Come in if you can get in”. She loved cooking for branding and everyone loved coming for her homemade pies. Erma enjoyed her salt and pepper shaker collection. All of her friends who traveled always brought her home another set. They covered one wall in her dining room with sets from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Erma loved kids and spent many summer weekends with Cindy at horse shows, cattle shows, and rodeos. She also enjoyed having the children of their military friends come and spend summers so they could learn the real meaning of work (as she always put it) and to learn the country way of life. Erma loved her family, ranch life, especially working with horses and dogs. 

Grateful for having shared her life include her husband of 67 years, Earl Gabriel of Kadoka, her daughter Cindy Gabriel Nuzum of Philip; two grandchildren Colt and Casey Nuzum, both of Sundance, Wyoming; her sister Tressa Gabriel of Philip; her double nieces and nephew Beverly Hamann and her husband Herb of Clear Lake, South Dakota, Larry Gabriel and his wife Charlotte of Quinn, and Ruby Gabriel of Pierre; her special sisters-in-law Irna (Gabriel) Collins of rural Faith, and Ilma Gabriel (Frank) also of rural Faith; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she deeply cherished. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly. 

Erma was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and two hours preceding the services on Thursday.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Community Center in Wall, with Rev. Chris Crago officiating.

Interment was at the Wall Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 2:00 p.m.
Community Center
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Rev. Chris Crago
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
“In The Garden”
Kent Gabriel - Guitarist
“Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Gerad Julson - Jeff Gabriel
PALLBEARERS
Larry Gabriel - Jim Collins
Todd Collins - Roger Porch
Rick Scott - Mike Noteboom
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota
Horse drawn wagon and team by Dr. Alice Harty

Visitation: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Community Center in Wall.
Interment:  Wall Cemetery.

  • Cindy-
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
    Jennie     ~ Jennie Morrison Pierre, SD (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy
    Our sympathy! The obit is so descriptive I can see Erma sitting at the 11 mile corner cheering you on! She's now in a better place and may your memories be many!     ~ Shelia Trask Wasta (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy~
    Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know your mom, but by reading her "life story" here I feel that I've known her forever. May God walk with you through this time of sorrow and grief and may you feel our hugs wrap around you and hold and comfort you!
    Love to you
    Michelle, David and kids     ~ Cindy Philip SD (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    Just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you during this time. I didn't know Erma very well, but we were neighbors for awhile and would see your folks and visit with them out in front of the church. May God bless you and Earl during this time.     ~ Mark Ford Sartell, MN (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    Our thoughts & prayers are with you as you go thru this hard time - but she is not having a hard time anymore - so keep your happy memories close & think of how painfree she now is! God bless you!     ~ Deb Smith Philip (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, I am thinking of you, I know how hard it is to lose a parent! I know you have many memories to cherish Keep them close to your heart. ~ Gloria (Mortensen)Whetstone Gillette, Wy (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Irma was a precious friend that we all loved. So many good memories!

    With Blessings,
    Chris Crago     ~ Chris Crago 18956 Helmer Rd. (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, Gods got himself a new angel and I guarantee you that she won't let anything slide by him. And I know just how she'll get his attention "coyote howl" anybody. Always remember she loved you with all her heart you were her pride and joy. ~ Delila Willuweit Hughes Hot Springs SD (3/15/2009)
  • My sympathy to you Cindy. We trust in the Words found in the Bible..."The Lord will rescue me from all harm and will take me safely to His heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to Him forever. Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18 Your mother has gone to her heavenly kingdom that was promised to her. I imagine she is once again herself! ~ Patti Greenseth Murdo (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, God's got himself a new angel and I can guarantee that she won't let anything get by him. And I know just how she'll get his attention "coyote howl" Just remember you were the light of her life and always precious to her. You were very loved. ~ Delila Willuweit Hughes Hot Springs SD (3/15/2009)
  • It was a joy to have known Erma over the years. I took Erma and Earl for a drive to the country and we enjoyed many hours looking over the country together. Our sympathy to the family. ~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter Kadoka (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    So sorry to hear of your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Tom and Kamie Carmichael     ~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael 719 Ranae St. Delta CO 81416 (3/15/2009)
  • I have very fond memories of the times I was able to stay on the farm. Hopefully all your fond memories will get you through this tough time. Love and hugs to you. ~ Dianne (Chausse) Armstrong 5840 Bobcat Lane Purcell OK (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, We love you and will be thinking of you in this time of sorrow. ~ Brian and Barb Williams Buffalo, SD (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, just know are thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Jim & Audra Scheel Belvidere, SD (3/15/2009)
  • Your Mother was a great woman. You and your family are in my prayers. ~ Tammi Schofield Philip (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, I was so glad to have known your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ John and Alisha Oldenberg Philip, SD (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy and Family,
    I'm so very sorry. Please let me know if you need anything at all. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Heidi
     ~ Heidi Burns Philip, SD (3/15/2009)
  • We will be there in spirit. Sorry we can't make it. Please save an obituary brochure for us. I couldn't get the one on the internet to copy. Nice write up! Take care! Love and hugs, Your cousins ~ Marie & Albert DeKnikker Cambridge, ID (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    Your love shows in the beautiful writing of your Mom's life. She will be missed by everyone but mostly by you. Her memories we hold in our hearts until we meet again.
    I am sure she is watching over you and your Dad.
    Love, Bob & Cindy     ~ Bob & Cindy McDonald 28727 Magnolia Rd, Underwood, IA (3/15/2009)
  • My thoughts and Prayers are with you,and your at this time. Cherish your memories, (at 92 there must be lots of them!!) Take Care!! ~ Terri Pelle Philip (3/15/2009)
  • Our sincere sympathy to you Earl and to you Cindy. Erma was quite the lady--we always enjoyed all of your visits to our house at Creighton. May the Lord give you is Peace and Comfort. ~ Ed and Linda Eisenbraun Rapid City, S.D. (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a great honor knowing your mother. She sure did teach me about hard work and cooking on the ranch. I will hold the time I spent with her and Earl close to my heart forever. She sure did know how to keep a person going. I spent many summers on the ranch and I think that has helped me in life. She sure will be missed. Please give Earl my love and best wishes. Sorry for your loss. ~ Sonya Gibson (Richmond) 1603 Pennington St Rapid City SD 57703 (3/15/2009)
  • I was saddened to hear of Erma's passing. I so enjoyed visiting with her and Earl when we lived next door to them.If I can help in any way let me know. Joe ~ Joe Millage Philip, S. Dak. (3/15/2009)
  • Dear Cindy and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow, I will remember Erma as one of the hardest working, dedicated, out-going, friendly women. She always said hello and had a huge smile on her face. The Lord will never have a dull moment with your mom scurrying around up there!! Thinking of you, take care and God Bless!
    Sincerely,
    Linda Dutton Anders     ~ Linda Dutton Anders Hoover-Zeona Rd. Mud Butte, SD 57758 (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. I sure have a lot of good childhood memories with you and your Mom.
    I was telling Larry last night how your mom always called me Julia. She's in a better place now, probably catching up on the news with my Dad.
    Hope to see you soon so we can visit. It's been so long. Take Care.
    Julie
     ~ Julie (Denke) Kaiser Rapid City, South Dakota (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
    Sincerely,
    Brittney     ~ Brittney Drury Philip, SD (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Earl are in our thoughts and prayers. You a very special angel in heaven now, watching over you and your family.
    Penny & Dale Baumann     ~ Dale & Penny Baumann Quinn, SD (3/15/2009)
  • We beloved HER , God bless Her. ~ Pauline & Leon Chausse 5742 Bobcat Lane, Purcell, OK 73080 (3/15/2009)
  • Cindy,
    I'm so sorry she left you, but maybe now she is not hurting or confused. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry so slow at responding.
    Love ya Sis,
    Dee     ~ Chad and Dee Griffis griffisdee@hotmail.com (3/15/2009)
  • So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My parents Lloyd & Evelyn Bourne lived at Pedro. We all had some good times out there. God Bless ~ Marcene Bourne Day West 4411 Resort Dr. Granbury, TX 76048 (3/15/2009)