Irma Jean Gittings, of Colchester, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, May 5, 2021 at 10:35 PM at her home.

 

Irma Jean was born March 29, 1939 in Alexis, Illinois, the daughter of Lester and Dorothy (Derry) Husband. She went to school in Colchester, Good Hope and Plymouth, Illinois.  In her lifetime she worked at restaurants, King Seely in Macomb, was a security guard at Case in Burlington, Iowa and hauled crops during the summer for farmers.  Erma married Richard Elmer Roberts on March 11, 1957. She was later united to Larry Gittings January 27, 1978 in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 30, 2007. 

 

Mrs. Gittings loved yard sales, auctions, working outside and going to Casinos. Erma cherished her family and friends. She opened her heart to everyone and welcomed all into her home; taking in many who had no place to go. She was known as “Granny” by the homeless people she took in.   

 

Irma is survived by two children: Richard Eugene (Crystal) Roberts; Katherine (Kevin) Curry of West Point, Illinois; one step daughter, Laura (Steven) Jones of LaHarpe, Illinois; grandchildren, Terri (Brad) Schisler, Jody (Tom) Turner, Jeremia Kisier, Amanda Kisser, C.J. Roberts, Michael Roberts, Jr., Brian Fye, Dustin (Natasha) French, Michelle Jefferson and Trinity Roberts, T.J. Burgdorf and Richie Roberts, a grandson, who she raised; two step grandsons, Colby and Chase Claassen; Great grandchildren, Cheyenne, Kenney, Sierra Phem and Tom Turner, Mika and Nevaeh Gordon, Rilya Kirby Roberts, Michael Gordon, Sierra Kirby Roberts, Silas Roberts, Hattie Roberts, Tristen Vass and Lyric Roberts;  three brothers: Jerry (Connie) Husband of Mendota, Illinois, Larry (Nomi) Husband of Mendota, Illinois; and Marion (Ruthie) Husband of Oquawka, Illinois; two sisters: Doris (Richard) Bates of Dayton Beach, Florida; Glenda (Bernard) Smith of Colchester, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Husband of Colchester;  and several nieces and nephews. 

 

Irma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry; two children: daughter, Cheryl Jean Roberts and son, Michael Roberts SR.; one grandson, JR Roberts; one great grandson, TJ Turner; a sister, Judy Danner; and two brothers, James and Olin Husband.

 

Memorials may be directed to the family of Irma Jean Gittings for funeral expenses.

 

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.