Erma Elizabeth Beam, 99, of Holton, KS formerly of Netawaka, passed away June 13, 2013 at Holton Community Hospital, eight days short of her 100th birthday. She was born in Pleasant Grove community northwest of Holton on June 21, 1913, the daughter of Dwight Martin and Sarah Etta (Jones) Johnson.

Erma attended Pleasant Grove School and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1931. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Netawaka for 43 years and served as the organist for 40 years. She was currently a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton. She was also a past member of Order of Eastern Star at Netawaka and Whiting.

Erma married Charley W. Beam on February 22, 1936 at her parents' home in Wetmore. He preceded her in death on July 1, 1980.

Survivors include her son, Larry (Bev) Beam of Topeka; her daughter, Shirley (Mike) Coyle of Netawaka; five grandchildren, Scott (Lori) Coyle, Jeff (Jen) Beam, Lesley (Ron) Howe, Jared (Debbie) Beam and Ryan (Trisha) Coyle; fifteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Pastor Bob Whitaker of the First United Methodist Church in Holton will officiate. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Interment will be in the Netawaka Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.