CASSEL, Erma R. (McDowell)

Erma Ruth (McDowell) Cassel, of El Reno, passed away Monday, December 20, 2010. Erma was born September 13, 1907 to Edgar Eugene and Nettie Susan McDowell on a farm north of Verden. Erma was proud to be a "Statehood" baby born the year Oklahoma became a state. Erma graduated from the Oklahoma College for Women (now USAO) in Chickasha. Erma taught school before marrying Elbert Cassel on December 10, 1932 and becoming a homemaker on a farm in the community of Verden. Erma was raised in the Dutton Methodist Church, then joined the Verden Methodist Church when Dutton disbanded; she relocated to El Reno in 1999, where she faithfully attended the Wesley United Methodist Church. Erma has enjoyed time with her church friends who often visited her. Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Emry Cassel; and her brother, Glen McDowell; and sister, Olive McDowell Long; and two great-granddaughters. Survivors include sons: John Elden Cassel and wife Mary Lou of Oklahoma City, Dale A. Cassel and wife Dorothy of El Reno; daughters: Annice Hill and husband Billy of Verden, and Betty Ruth Pope and husband Terry of Bethany. Erma is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, December 27th, at 2:00pm, in the Wesley United Methodist Church in El Reno. Dr. Richard D. Cato and Reverend Charles Watson of Verden will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Pocasset, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home in El Reno. Memorials can be made to: Wesley United Methodist Church, El Reno; Verden Methodist Church, Verden; Russell Murray Hospice.