Erma Louise Webster, 89, of Piedmont, SD, formerly of Steelville, MO passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in Rapid City, SD. She was born August 21, 1922 in St. Louis, MO to Otto Fink Jr. and Ethel Lillian (Steppat) Fink. On April 6, 1952 in Corinth, MS, she was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Webster who preceded her in death on October 29, 2008.

During the late 1930's, Erma made the U.S. Olympics Track & Field Team, but was not able to participate due to the outbreak of the war.  She also was involved in the Federal Women's Equal Opportunity committee as a representative during the 1970's when President Ford went into office. Erma worked several years at the U. S. Government Records Center in St. Louis as a computer programmer.  She was a member of the Martha and Mary Eastern Star Chapter 364 and a member of the Foothills Community Baptist Church in Piedmont, SD.  With her love for animals, Erma was always well known for being an animal activist.

She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Stewart and her husband Bill of Piedmont, SD; her loving dog, Fred; her grand-daughter Christine Newell of Black Hawk, SD, her grandson Michael Vrooman of Denver, CO and her very special adopted grandson, David Stewart and wife Tammy of Rapid City, SD; and other grandchildren Tina Johnson and husband Jay of Sturgis, SD and Dan Stewart and wife Sheila of Sioux Fall, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Bob.

The Family received friends from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

Eastern Star Services were held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

Memorial services followed immediately after the Eastern Star Services on Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Don Martin officiating. Special music of "In the Garden", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "When we See Christ" was sung by Loretta Garrett and Pastor Don Martin. Memories were shared by her daughter, Peggy.

Inurnment will be in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.