My Name Is Erma with an E

Born in 1911, Erma H. Kleppinger was the twelfth child ofAmy and William Heavener and grew up on a farm inMontgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Even though she and her familynever had much money, they all managed to do their part andlive a good life. Blessed with the drive to succeed, Erma was thefirst in her family to graduate from high school and went on towork in Philadelphia as a secretary at J. E. Rhoads and Sons.

Even after her marriage to Clarence Edward Kleppinger in 1940, Erma continued with her career. When her husband passed awayin 1957, she faced the overwhelming responsibility of raisingthree children. But Erma retained her positive demeanor andnever let her problems get her down. She sought solace from thestress through bowling, and after her retirement, the sportbecame her passion. She traveled around the United States, bowling anywhere and any time she could. With her outgoingpersonality and ability to laugh at the silly things that happenedto her, Erma was always welcome at any gathering.

Written while she was in her nineties, Erma's memoir is aheartwarming journey of one woman's extraordinary life.