Erma Jean Knoop, age 67 of Rodney, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013 at her home. She was born September 7, 1945 the daughter of Andy and Mildred (Stanton) Ostrander. Erma married Franklin D. Knoop on July 23, 1962 in Evart. They settled in the Rodney area where Erma has lived for the past 48 years. She was employed at Ferris State University until her retirement. Erma will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family; she especially enjoyed a lively card or board game and was very competitive. Erma liked to crochet and share the items she made with those she loved. She is survived by her beloved family including her son, Randy (Tracy) Knoop of Big Rapids; two daughters, Brenda Schussler of Rodney, Joanne (Mark) Verbeck of Emerald Hills, CA; eight grandchildren, Katie, Kaycee and Kourtney Knoop all of Big Rapids, Kenneth (Brittany) Schussler of Comstock Park, Kimberly (Mario) Davila of Big Rapids, Sarah (Russ) Glendon of Fargo, ND, Hunter and Nathaniel Verbeck of Emerald Hills, CA; two great-granddaughters, Lily Glendon and Luciana Schussler; a sister, Carolyn (Joe) Glendenning of Paris; three brothers, Doug (Shiela) Ostrander of Sand Lake, Alvin Ostrander of Cedar Springs, Harold (Cindy) Bushee of Grand Rapids, many nieces and nephews and a dear friend, Dean Struble of Sears. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Franklin D. Knoop on November 22, 1995, a granddaughter, Stephanie Knoop and a brother, Clyde Ostrander. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Ted Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Martiny Township Cemetery in Rodney. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Erma's name may be made to Hospice of Michigan or the Canary Foundation (a charity focusing on early detection of cancer).