Erma Marie Pritcher

Erma Pritcher, born in Cold Springs, Oregon to Edgar R. and Dora Griffin Williams on September 29, 1928, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024. She was a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and a friend to many.

During her early life, her family lived in the Washington and Oregon areas while her father worked on the railroad. Later, while Erma was still young, they settled in Touchet where her father operated a small farm. Erma attended Touchet school. As the youngest of five siblings, she has fond memories of one of her older siblings always being “assigned” to walk her to and from school safely. Erma and family eventually moved to Walla Walla where she graduated from Walla Walla High School, class of 1946. While in high school she played on the girls’ softball team and worked part-time at Whitehouse Crawford as an office assistant. The day Erma turned 18 yrs. old she went to work at the telephone company, where she worked for several years. She always spoke fondly of her time there and the lifelong friendships she made. She was known for volunteering to work holidays so co-workers who had families could be home with their children.

While in high school, Erma and several of her girlfriends attended dances that were being held at the air base. It was while attending one of these dances that she met a charming southern gentleman, James Pritcher, who became her lifelong love. They were married June 15, 1947.

After being home with her two children for several years, Erma went back to work with the Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers, working in the personnel department. It was during this time that Erma also followed her interest in finance; she served on the Board of Directors for the Walla Walla Federal Credit Union for several years. After retirement from the Corps of Engineers, she served as the President of the Corps retirees’ group.

Erma was a life-time member of Pioneer United Methodist Church where she served on several committees. She was also a very active member with Beta Sigma Phi sorority serving as chapter President for multiple terms.

In her free time Erma enjoyed cooking, hosting gatherings, bowling, square dancing, dancing at the Elks club with Jim, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Erma is survived by her two children Scott (Kathy) Pritcher and Lorna (Bill) Slominski both of Walla Walla. Her grandchildren Miranda (Jason) Ross of Evan, GA; Drew (Courtney) Pritcher of Everett, WA; Benjamin (Anna) Slominski of Kennewick, WA and Hannah Slominski of Walla Walla. Great Grandchildren, Harper Rae and Ellis Ross, Leo and Lucy Pritcher and Stevie Slominski. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Dora Williams, her sister Lorraine Bracy, her brothers Kenneth, LaVerne and C. Howard Williams.

Erma will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, great sense of humor, her easy laugh, love of ice cream and her devoted love for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on July 25, 2024, from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla.

Memorial contributions may be made to Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.