Feb. 1, 1920 - Oct. 27, 2009

Erma Ione Freeman, 89, died Oct. 27, 2009.

A memorial service was held Nov. 3, 2009, at Lebanon Free Methodist Church. A graveside service was held at Lone Oak Cemetery in Stayton.

She was born at home in Rocky Point, Wyo., to Frank and Phebe Stearns, 30 minutes after her twin brother.

She grew up on a 450-acre homestead in Wyoming.

She attended Stearns School and worked on the family farm. The family moved to Oregon in 1936.

In 1945 she married Earl Freeman. He died in 2004. They had three daughters, Frances Ione and the twins, Ellen Caroline, and Erma Christine.

She was an active member of the Lebanon Free Methodist Church, and volunteered at her church, youth camps, the Lebanon Senior Center and Aldersgate Conference Center.

She is survived by daughters Frances Ione McCraven and twins Ellen Caroline Rannings and Erma Christine Thompson, all of Lebanon; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; sisters Stella Copple of Lebanon and Edith Bartels of Silverton; and many nieces and nephews

Her husband Earl Freeman; parents Frank and Phebe Stearns; brothers Eddie Stearns, Ernest Stearns, and Asie Stearns; and sisters Gladys Flemming, Ruby Flemming, Frances Harvey, Phebe Reck, Alice Music, Elva Music and Hazel Anspach died before she did.

Arrangements were made by Weddle Funeral Services.