Erma (Tipke) Ostrum

December 01, 1920 - December 29, 2010

Erma (Tipke) Ostrum Obituary Died on December 29, 2010 at the age of 90. Erma was born in Sherwood, North Dakota on December 1, 1920, the youngest of twelve children in the Tipke family. She often talked about how much she loved her family and all the fun times that she and her siblings had together. When Erma was three, the Tipke family relocated from North Dakota to a farm in Otis Orchards, Washington (Spokane County). It was in Otis Orchards where Erma grew up and attended school. Erma was the salutatorian of her high school class. Erma married Raymond Ostrum in 1941 and had two daughters, Darlene and Avalyn. Erma demonstrated a superior work ethic and employers truly appreciated the dedication that she showed. Erma worked in the retail clothing business for most of her career and then went to work with her daughter (Darlene) and son-in-law (Steve) at Rouse's Towing at the young age of 65. It was eleven years later, at the age of 76 that her daughter (Darlene) finally convinced Erma to retire so that she could spend some time with her great grandchildren. Erma was diagnosed with a heart condition (enlarged heart) in 1990 for which the doctors gave her five to seven years to live. Erma, being the tough lady that she was, obviously blew those predictions out of the water and far exceeded her doctor's wildest expectations. In the end it was her heart that finally gave out, but it was from that "big heart" that she shared immense love and compassion for family and friends. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren felt that love in a very special way and will forever miss their "Nana." Erma was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Ostrum, in 1986, and her oldest daughter Darlene Rouse, in March of 2010. She leaves many who love and miss her, including her daughter Avelyn (Bob) Winicky, eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Scott) Langton; Michael Brockway; Michelle (Stacy) Lavin; Melissa Rouse; Greg (Renee) Rouse; Joel Martin; Aaron Martin; and Reylene Martin, and twenty one great grand children. A service will be held for Erma at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8th at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA. Friends and family are invited to attend the service to honor and say goodbye to our beloved "Nana."