Thelma Erb

Thelma Marie Erb, 92, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, March 12, 2018 in New Dawn Retirement Center at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born at Dover, Ohio on March 16, 1925 Thelma was a daughter of the late Earl E. and Sophia W. (Hosfelt) Beitzel.

She was a graduate of Dover High School and married Melvin L. Erb on September 11, 1948. Together they raised two sons, Jeffrey and Gregory and shared in 41 years of marriage prior to his passing on December 7, 1989.

Thelma was an active member of the First United Church of Christ at New Philadelphia and was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She was employed by Humphries Auto City at Dover for many years in the accounting department and enjoyed working crossword puzzles, boating at Atwood Lake and traveling.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Marcia) Erb of New Philadelphia and Gregory (Kimberly) Erb of Columbus; a brother, James (Pauline) Beitzel of Cincinnati; her grandchildren, Aaron (Shannon) Erb, Gretchen (Marc) Garofoli, Abigail Erb and Philip (Jenn) Erb all of Cleveland, Jessica (Randy) Pierson, and Sarah (Chris) Kimble all of Columbus as well as six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Thelma was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Adam Erb; a grandson, Daniel Erb; a sister, Shirley Hollinger; and a brother, Richard Beitzel.

Family and friends will gather in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 1:00 PM where Pastor Jeffrey Gerber will lead a service celebrating Thelma’s life. Cremation care has been conducted by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.

Memorial contributions in Thelma’s name may be directed to First United Church of Christ, PO Box 422, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.