MANSFIELD: Erma M. Oswalt, age 99 of Mansfield passed away Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Crestwood Care Center following a year-long illness.
She was born Jan. 21, 1926 in Springfield Twp. to William C. and Ruth (McKinney) Cotter and graduated as Salutatorian from Springfield Twp. High School in 1944. Following high school, Erma started work at Empire Detroit Steel and completed 47 years there as Accounting Manager and retired in 1994.
She married Richard W. Oswalt on July 3, 1948 and they enjoyed almost 65 years together. He preceded her in death in March of 2013.
Erma loved to cook and baked frequently for family and friends gatherings. She was addicted to gardening, flowers, and lawn care. She loved to dress fashionably and in her younger days designed and sewed stylish outfits. She enjoyed decorating and keeping a nice home for her husband.
She was a lifetime member of Ontario United Methodist Church.
Erma is survived by her sister Ruth Ann Staats; sister-in-law Jeanie Cotter; many nieces and nephews and friends whom she enjoyed very much; special friends Thomas and Cheryl Butenschon and two families which she took as her own the Gary Lehman family and Christopher Branham family.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Forest and Ruth Cotter, and Harold Cotter; brothers-in-law Richard Staats and James and Jen Oswalt; and sister-in-law Mary and Jim Cox.
The family extends a special thank you to Angie and Kathy Lehman who took loving care of Erma in her last years.
Friends may call Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 4-7 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service will be held Friday at 11 am. Pastor Steve Keib will officiate and burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Memorial donations in honor of Erma may be made to the Ontario United Methodist Church.
Please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to send a message of support to the family.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: snyderfuneralhomes.com