Erma June (Yingst) Shepherd, 97

June 22, 1928 - August 27, 2025

With grateful hearts for her long and full life, we announce that our beloved Erma June (Yingst) Shepherd, 97, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord, with family at her side, on August 27, 2025, in Lititz.

Born June 22, 1928, on a farm in East Hanover, Lebanon County, Erma grew up in a large, loving family. After leaving the farm, she held a variety of jobs including seamstress at Donegal Industries, manager at the Trudi K Shop in Manheim, sales at The Kinder Bin Kids, and serving as a housekeeper at Pleasant View Retirement Community. Wherever she worked, Erma was known for her strong work ethic, quick wit, and ability to brighten the day of anyone she met.

In her 97 years, Erma was passionate about her coffee, never met a dog she didn’t love, savored ice cream at every opportunity, and kept her family laughing with her witty humor and quick comebacks. She was a faithful presence at sporting events, concerts, and musicals for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Always determined to stay active, even well into her later years, Erma proudly went to Curves for Women three times a week until they closed, where she often put the younger ladies to shame with her energy and strength.

The turning point of Erma’s life began when she came to know the Lord. As a member of Calvary Independent Church, she grew bold in her faith, often reminding her family that she was ready whenever the Lord was ready to take her.

Erma spent her last year and a half of life at Kadima in Lititz, where she could often be seen motoring up and down the hallways with her walker and where she became affectionately known as “The Boss” and “The Supervisor.” She cared deeply for the staff there, and they cared deeply for her in return.

Erma was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to George Shepherd (wife Sharon) and Deborah (Shepherd) Hartenstine (husband Terry); a proud grandmother to Christopher Shepherd (wife Melanie), Jason Hartenstine (partner Chelsea), and Jennifer (Hartenstine) Felty (husband David); and her greatest joy was being “Gigi” to her five great-grandchildren: Iza, Noah, Max, Bailey, and Preston.

She was the cherished sister of Thomas, John, Barbara, Shirley, James, and Joyce. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Edward Yingst and Ada Estella (Mumma) Yingst, as well as her brother Ken and sisters Betty, Mary, and Dora. Erma was also a beloved aunt to 33 nieces and nephews and many more great-nieces and nephews, all of whom treasured her.

Feisty and funny, sassy and sweet, Erma lived with love and departed in peace. Her final act of kindness was her decision, made decades ago, to donate her body to science so she could continue helping others even after her passing.

The family will celebrate Erma’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation in her memory to House of His Creation in Lititz at hohc.org.