Erma Elizabeth (Aurand) Bortell

Erma Elizabeth (Aurand) Bortell, 99, of Lewistown, passed from this life into Glory on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Hershey Medical Center, surrounded by her adoring family.

Born April 2, 1924, at the family home in Ferguson Valley, Lewistown, she was the only daughter of the late Ralph and Eva Rebecca (Dobson) Aurand.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: her husband, Preston Bortell in 1998; brothers, Clark, Forrest, Millard and Glenn Aurand; and son-in-law, Jeff Miller in 2005.

She is survived by: daughters, Sharon Mellinger and Robin Miller (Joe Porch); five grandchildren, Chris Shilling, Holly Demaree (Dave), Becki Shilling, Daryl Miller (Maggie), and Jeff Miller (Beth); four great-grandsons, Justin Tressler, Ryan Kurtz (Sara), Noah Shilling and Broden Stringer; and great-great-grandchildren, Victoria and John Preston Kurtz.  Her darling kitty, Ashley, will be lost without her.

She was a member of Ellen Chapel Church.

A graduate of Lewistown High School, Class of 1941, Erma was first employed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and then became a World War II veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard stationed primarily in West Palm Beach, Fla.  After military service, she was the office manager at Wolf Furniture Company in Lewistown for 21 years, then manager of the Mifflin County Credit Bureau for 15 years, and lastly worked as a patient attendant at Lewistown Hospital, where she shared her gift of comforting and encouraging people before retiring when she turned 90.

Erma’s life was an extraordinary journey, filled with love for her family, with some tears along the way, and much laughter.  Dr. Eneh told her she should write a book, and everytime she saw him, she’d tell him she had a new chapter to add.  Even at 99, we were not prepared to lose her from our lives.  She will be desperately missed, more than words can express.

The family would like to convey our gratitude to the PRN staff for always being so kind and accommodating, especially caregivers Ann, Alyssa, Donna, Sue, Karen, Michelle, Sandy and Tiffany.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Weds., April 12, 2023, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 North Main Street, Lewistown, followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m., with Pastor Mark Hill officiating.

Interment will take place at the Aurand Family Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Memorial contributions in Erma’s memory may be made to Ellen Chapel Church, 11764 Ferguson Valley Road, Lewistown, PA 17044. 

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