Erma J. Bechaz, age 91 of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, February 14, 2020. She was born April 4, 1928 in Big Rapids the daughter of Perry and Elizabeth (Parker) Fredricks. Erma graduated from Big Rapids High School and took a job with the North Star Bus Lines, where she met a young George Bechaz when he bought her a candy bar. She married him on April 16, 1949 at the Third Avenue United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. Erma and George made their home west of Rogers Heights on the Bechaz Centennial Farm, where they raised their seven children. Erma was a busy wife and mother yet made time to work at Browers Restaurant in Big Rapids and later at Ferris State University. Erma was a long-time member of the Northland United Methodist Church where she helped with Vacation Bible School and celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary. Erma is survived by her beloved family daughter; Nancy (Tom) Sage of Big Rapids; daughter-in-law, Linda Bechaz of Stanwood; daughters, Joyce Walsh of Big Rapids, Jan (Russ) Eckert of Morley, Donna (Steve) Westberg of NC; son, Bill (Mary Jernstadt) Bechaz of Big Rapids and daughter, Beth (Steve) Dillsworth of Haslett; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Erma was preceded in death by her husband, George Bechaz; a son, Tim Bechaz; a granddaughter, Alissa Sage; son-in-law, James Walsh Jr.; three sisters and two brothers. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood with Pastor Gary Bondarenko and Pastor Frank Taylor officiating. The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, February 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Ermas name may be made to the Northland United Methodist Church, Spectrum Health Hospice, Speret Hall at Altercare or the charity of the donors choice. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Friday, February 21, 2020 11:00 AM Northland United Methodist Church 6842 Northland Drive Stanwood,MI 49346 Visitation Thursday, February 20, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307