Erma Alberta (Stithem) Graham-Sander passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Logan Manor Community Services assisted living facility. Erma was born on February 15, 1943, to Albert C. “Bud” and Frances L. (Knouf) Stithem in Hays, KS. Raised in Zurich, KS, she attended Zurich Grade School and graduated from Palco High School in 1961. She then attended Fort Hays State University where she met her husband Mitchell S. “Mick” Graham Sr. They were married on July 25, 1964, in Hays, KS.
Mick and Erma began their married life custom cutting throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas until settling on the family farm in rural Gove County, KS. After Mick’s passing in 1986, she moved to Oakley where she worked in childcare at the Oakley Methodist Church and in foodservice at the Logan County Hospital. She then moved to Hays in 1993 where she worked for FHSU in foodservice.
While living in Hays, Erma met Marvin Sander. They were married on September 6, 1997, and made their home in Oakley. After returning to Oakley, Erma worked as a teacher at DSNWK until she retired. They enjoyed taking their classic cars to car shows and playing cards with their card club until Marvin’s passing in 2022.
Throughout her life, she was a member of the General Federated Women’s Club, Christian Mothers, and Daughters of Isabela. She loved attending events for her grandkids and spending time with friends.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Frances; her husbands, Mick and Marvin; and her sister Charlotte L. Stithem.
She is survived and missed by her children, Mitchell S. (Richard Young) Graham Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK, Melissa S. (Trent) Pinero of Panama City Beach, FL and Mark (Melissa McCormack) Graham of Prairie View, KS; grandchildren, Annastacia, Abigail, Trent II, Kaden and Olivia and great grandchildren, Raegyn and Raimey.
The funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2025, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS, followed by a graveside service at the Grainfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Logan Manor Community Services, 415 Washington St, Logan, KS 67646. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com