‘Erma Hale Backman, age 82, Arcata, was called home on Friday, June 21, with her family by her side. Erma was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma on July 22, 1941 to Charles and Winnie Beck. She moved to California as a child and lived in various cities. Erma attended Arcata High School. Erma was a longtime member and faithful servant at McKinleyville Baptist Church.

Erma married Preston Hale in February 1960. They made their home and raised their family in McKinleyville. He preceded her in death in September 2000. She married Milford Backman, August 2001. They lived in Trinidad. He preceded her in death on January 2011.

Erma dearly loved her family and was very proud of them. She enjoyed trivia, old movies, board games and game shows, especially Jeopardy.

Erma is survived by her son Bob Baxter and his wife Phyllis of Bad Axe, Michigan; her daughter Laurie Brown and her husband Mike of McKinleyville and Yuma, Arizona; her grandchildren Daniel Baxter, Nicole (Mark) Lay, Jennifer Brown and Clinton Meyers; and her great-grandchildren Dominic Stiles-Brown, Sullivan and Anderson Lay, Kaylin Stovall and Natalie Swift.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Preston Hale and Milford Backman; her daughter Kathleen Munoz; and a granddaughter, Michelle Lindley.

A service for Erma will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at McKinleyville Baptist Church 1616 Windsor Ave, McKinleyville. Her family will receive guests at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to McKinleyville Baptist Church or the family discretionary fund.

We would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt — especially Kerry — and Visiting Angels for the care they provided.