Erma Jane Byington Meredith

Erma Jane Byington Meredith passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in the home of her son & daughter, Robert & DeAnne Meredith, on April 21st, 2018. Happy Birthday Dad, you are together again. Erma was born on September 30, 1923 to Ernest Lorenzo and Edith Christena Stones Byington at her Grandma and Grandpa Stones home in Cambridge, Idaho, just north and east of Downey. She lived in and around the Downey area most of her life.

She married Carlos Earl Meredith on August 29th, 1942 in Pocatello, Idaho. This marriage was later solemnized in the Logan temple on May 4th, 1964. She said this was the marriage she held in her heart. Erma & Earl were blessed with seven children plus 2 more, a nephew and niece which they raised as their own , Connie, deceased, Cynthia (Gerald) Crossley, Soda Springs, Idaho, , Robert (DeAnne) Meredith Carla (Lynn) Heward, Burley, Idaho, Randall Jay (Darlene) Meredith, Burley, Idaho, Marlene (Richard) Skola, salt Lake City, Utah, Audrey (Jerry) Hatch, Oxford, Idaho, Jason (Dara) Byington, Preston, Idaho and Louisa Byington, Preston, Idaho.

Erma worked at Jack’s Café first for Red Lamoreaux and later for Elmo Christopherson, for J.C. Penny where the Downey food Center now is and also for LaVar Johnson who moved it across the street where the vacant lot now is. She worked in many capacities in the LDS church. She still helped clean the church and had a calling until she was 92. She had many talents and skills such as drawing, sewing, embroidering, quilting, ironing, keeping her home neat and tidy, making a meal out of nothing, gardening, canning bushels of food every fall. She spent many years looking out for her mother in every aspect, she also looked out for her older brother and many neighbors, mowing lawns, watering and weeding. She sang in the singing mothers. She was very loving, caring and compassionate to all she knew. Her greatest accomplishment of all was tenderly caring for her children, teaching them and leading them by example, with love and dedication.

What a joyous reunion for her husband Earl of 64 years, her parents, her 5 brothers, LaVar, Delmer, John, Arley, Marvin, 1 sister Donna, and 4 Grandchildren.

She left a lasting legacy for those who survive. Her 9 children, 47 grand children, 104 great grandchildren +1 on the way, 1 great great grandchild + 1 on the way, with spouses and all there are a total of 192 descendants so far, and many many relatives, friends and neighbors also.

We would like to thank Heritage Hospice, Jill & Annetta, the young men of the 41st ward, and especially Bob & DeAnne all of Pocatello for the selfless service they rendered to our sweet Mother.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 27 at 12 noon in the Downey LDS 2nd Ward Chapel. Friends may visit with the family at the church Thursday evening from 6-7:30 p.m. and Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Downey Cemetery.