Delsie L. Erritt
December 4, 1922 ~ August 29, 2016
Delsie Erritt, age 93, of New Hampton, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Hampton.
Conway-Markham Funeral Home of New Hampton is assisting Palmer & Swank Funeral Home in Gowrie, IA with Delsie’s funeral arrangements. Online condolences for Delsie’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com or www.palmerswankfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Delsie was born on December 4, 1922, on a farm south of Gowrie, IA to Nina (Ewing) and Ernest Harding. She later moved with her parents to a farm near Slifer, spending her elementary school years at the Slifer Country School and then graduating from Somers Consolidated High School in 1940. Delsie was united in marriage to N. A. “Spive” Erritton March 10, 1941 at Fort Dodge, IA. Following her marriage, Delsie and Spive farmed the Erritt Century Farm for 51 years. Fourteen years after Spive’s death, she moved to Gowrie, living there until August 2012 when she moved to New Hampton to be close to her daughter.
Delsie loved music. She played the drums and trumpet in high school and sang in the choirs. She shared her talents at many community activities, church, weddings, and funeral services. She sang in the Fort Dodge Messiah Chorus. Delsie shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren.
Over the years, Delsie helped support her family with many jobs. She was a nurse’s aide at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, a waitress at Johnny’s Truck Stop, the head cook at the Cedar Valley Somers Schools and she loved restoring and refinishing antique furniture with her husband, sharing her knowledge with 4H clubs. She was a member of Slifer Church of the Brethren, a president of the Ladies Aid, provided special vocal music for the services, and presided over many Sunday school openings. She was a member of Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Preceding Delsie in death were her parents; husband; sister, Lois Irene Malloy and an infant brother, Lee Arlen Harding. Those left to cherish her wonderful memories are her daughters, Charlotte Ann (Robert) Atwater of Leavenworth, KS, Nancy Jane (Clifton) Nielsen of New Hampton, IA and Susan Beth (Stanley) Hoover of Plattsburg, MO; along with six grandchildren, Brent Atwater, Renee (Tom) Hotovec, Steven Hoover (Barry), Michael Nielsen, Stacey (Alex) Johnson, and David (Laura) Nielsen; six great-grandchildren, Joseph, Jacob, Avery, Alivia, Connor and Jordyn; and nieces and nephews.
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Rest in peace sweet,sweet Delsie.
So very sorry to learn of Delsie’s passing. I took time to reflect on all the great memories we all shared. Hope you all have been able to share some of these also. Sorry about not responding sooner but I was looking in the wrong city. Again, know you have all been in my thoughts, prayers and heart . God Bless her memory. Love to all!
Deborah Erritt Lyon
Delsie, or Gramma Delsie as I knew her, was such a kind, generous and caring person. I was lucky enough to have her influence in my life when I was a small child through to my teenage years. My maternal grandmother had passed away before I was even born, and when I was 3 or 4 years old I asked Delsie one day if she would be my grandmother. Of course her gracious answer was “Yes!”
Delsie was always there throughout my childhood, whether my mother and I were just stopping by for coffee and a chat, or if her asparagus was producing bushels and we went over to pick a ‘mess’ of asparagus. I remember watching her coach my mother through re-finishing a few pieces of furniture while they listened to records and I played in the yard. I remember her giving me haircuts while my mother held my chin when I went to sleep, which I always did when someone worked on my hair. I remember her helping my mother give me home perms. Most of all I remember the sparkle in her eyes when she giggled or laughed, oh how I loved the sound of that, it was music to my ears!
Delsie was God’s blessing to this Earth and to the people she knew and loved. She will be sorely missed, but her spirit lives on in my heart and the hearts of so many others.
I have her picture in my home where I see it multiple times a day, and it makes me smile every time I look at it.
My deepest condolences to all her friends and family members. I feel your loss and hope God grants you peace and lessens your pain with each passing day.
Leonette Franzen (née Onnen) aka Rosebud
Phoenix, AZ