Erma Lea Brewer, age 86, of Des Moines, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 due to congestive heart failure. Burial will be private.

Born June 11, 1937, Erma was the daughter of Merlin and Reba Brewer of Prairie City. She was a 1955 graduate of Prairie City High School and attended McPherson College. Erma loved music, and during her best years, she loved to play the piano at church and during holidays. She could be an encouraging friend and a listening ear. Erma battled lifelong mental illness and other health issues.

Erma is survived by her children: TJ (Marge Penny) Lea, Cindy (Tim) Kane, Tammy (Mike) Fay, and many grandchildren; nephew Ken Birkenholtz, nieces Kathy Hietanen, Kay Timmons, and Karen Schmidt, along with her special friend Jerry Aldrich.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Don and Bev Brewer and Lyle and Dorothy Birkenholtz; and two husbands. In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to Camp Pine Lake