Erma S. McLean of Hermiston died on Oct. 7, 2024 in Hermiston at the age of 89.
She was born on Oct. 15, 1934 in Weiser, Idaho to Frank and Alta Sinden.
Erma was raised on a small farm outside of Weiser until the third grade, when her family moved into town. She graduated from Weiser High School where she played the clarinet and was a member of the marching band. Erma was an Apple Blossom princess, riding in a convertible in the parade. She worked at Jerry’s Drive-In that summer where she met the love of her life, Don McLean. Erma and Don were united in marriage on Aug. 26, 1953 at her parents’ home in Weiser. They lived in San Diego, Calif. while Don was in the Army. After his discharge, they moved to Huntington and resided there for 56 years. Erma and Don welcomed their first daughter, Cherie in 1956 and second daughter, Carla in 1958.
Erma was a leader in getting the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority started in 1956. The sorority put on many events throughout the year including Easter egg hunts, Christmas goodies for the tree lighting, baked good sales, fundraisers to help with families’ holiday dinners, toys for children, high school scholarships and many more events. Don always knew when a sorority event was happening because their phone rang non-stop. Over Erma’s 55 years of service, she held many different offices. Erma was awarded a 50-year Beta Sigma Phi pin. She was most proud of the McLean Mercantile that she and Don opened in 1980. She had all kinds of merchandise including the “best” fishing stink bait and tackle for all of the fisherman. They also offered hunting and fishing licenses and a liquor store until selling the store in 1990.
Erma liked to sew for herself and her daughters. She loved her flower gardens. Erma loved to bowl and was on several women’s league teams, bowling a few 200 games. Erma attended the Methodist church and taught Sunday school.
Erma was among a quartet of ladies from Huntington who played the recorder. She was famous for her “Erma cookies” and Halloween popcorn balls. Don loved her apple pies and crazy cake. Her cookie jar was always full for her grandchildren.
Erma and Don enjoyed camping trips with family and friends. They made many trips to Hermiston and Triangle Lake to enjoy being with their grandchildren, attending their school activities, sporting events and celebrations. Don and Erma sold their Huntington home in 2012 and moved to Hermiston to be closer to family. Being with her family was Erma’s greatest joy! She will always be remembered by having a kind heart and a one-of-a-kind laugh.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Don McLean; daughters, Cherie Bellingham (Jim) and Carla Hoyt (Rob); grandchildren, Randy Garhart, Niki Gonzalez (Marco), Mindy Bonifer (Jerimiah), Kevin Smith, Kyle Smith, Keith Smith (Maggie) and Kristopher Smith (Ashley); great-grandchildren, McLean, Manny, Myah, Monika, Christian, Hayden, Abigail, Luke, Wyatt, Emmy, Kenley, Kasen, Kade and Kenadee; great-great granddaughter, Lillian Gonzalez; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, John and wife Maxine, Wayman and wife Eula, and Gary and wife Carol.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Please share memories of Erma with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
