Phyllis Lydia Ehrman Moser, 90, of Bluffton died at 6:25 a.m. Jan. 22, 2011, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.
She was born May 6, 1920, in Henrietta, Ohio to Elmer O. and Gertrude (Kneisel) Portmann. On Aug. 8, 1945 she married James H. Ehrman and he died Dec. 5, 1994. She married Rolland Ward Moser on Sept. 19, 1997 and he died Nov. 21, 2008.
She had been an elementary and high school vocal teacher in the Amherst Firelands and Pandora-Gilboa school systems. She had also been a vocal instructor at Bluffton College. She also performed at various ensembles and oratorios at Oberlin College and Bluffton College.
She sang in Handel's Messiah for many years and was a featured soloist many times. She was the choir director and sang in Methodist churches in Henrietta and Bluffton, Ohio.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Bluffton. She was well known for her pie baking skills at church potlucks and fund-raisers.
She was a graduate of Henrietta High School and Bowling Green State University. She donated her body to the University of Toledo Medical Center.
Survivors include three sons James W. (Jane) Ehrman of Berea, Ohio, Rev. Dr. Kenneth P. (Bishop Sally Dyck) Ehrman of Eden Prarie, Minn., and John C. (Deborah Corkins) Ehrman of Salt Lake City, Utah; a granddaughter Sarah Ehrman; and six grandsons James A., Mark, Christopher, Matthew, Alec and Dane Ehrman.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Klevey, and two brothers, Frederick Portmann and Elmer O. Portmann Jr.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11a.m. Saturday March 5, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, Bluffton. Bishop Sally Dyck officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Mennonite Memorial Home or Bluffton University.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton.
