Erma Joy Gunter

Erma Joy Lancaster Gunter, 93, of Chambers Point Menno Haven, Chambersburg, PA passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Erma was Born in Marianna PA on November 13, 1932 and was raised along with eight siblings by coal mining father Carl and mother Clara. She worked at the movie theater and attended Marianna Methodist church through high school. In 1953 she married fellow Marianna resident Alfred Gunter, who was enlisted in the US Army. After service daughters Pamela and Jill were born as the family followed Al through universities in PA, Ohio, WV, and IL as he pursued Biology degrees culminating in his PhD.

Landing in Shippensburg in 1968 as Al began professorship at Shippensburg State College; Erma joined Shippensburg State College Faculty Wives and Christ United Methodist Church. Her beautiful soprano voice complimented the church choir for decades. Along with her dear church friends Ruth Kreger, Jean Pinci, Rose Dillner, and Margie Jacobs; she provided manpower for countless church activities including dinners, funerals, concerts, Vacation Bible School, Garden Tours, and the famous Colonial Christmases.

In the 1980s Erma obtained her real estate license and worked several years as a real estate agent.

Erma and Al traveled extensively in the US, Canada, and Europe. In the 60s-70s, Erma went along with family camping in a pop-up camper, although she preferred more comfortable lodging. In their 50s; to their daughters’ alarm, they did a 4 month mostly off-grid trip across the US and down the CA coastline in a Honda Odyssey. They did several multi country tours in Europe and were in UK in 1993 when Al became ill and died shortly after their return.

As a widow, Erma pursued US and European travel, shopping, sewing, interior design, and church work. She travelled with friends and as chaperone with the Shippensburg University Madrigals. As a lifelong fashionista, she shopped frequently to collect clothes and shoes. She joined the RedHat Society member with her dear cousin Winnie. She thoroughly enjoyed assisting with the process of having two houses built in Scotland and Chambersburg. Holiday dinners at these houses were major events . From 1993 to present, Erma has enjoyed meeting dozens of biology major recipients of the Alfred Gunter Shippensburg University scholarship fund.

In 2009 Erma moved to Menno Haven Chambers Pointe after a stroke. There, despite communication and motility limitations she thrived while pursuing her interests and friendships. She was recognized at Chambers Pointe for her sunny disposition, perfect hair and alarmingly extensive wardrobe.

Until her final years, Erma never failed to send the perfect greeting card to family members and friends for birthdays and holidays. She treasured every card sent to her throughout the years and never discarded one.

Erma was proceeded in death by husband Alfred V Gunter; parents Carl and Clara Lancaster; and siblings Ethyl, Esther, Ruth, Hazel, Barbara, Russel, and Carl Roy. She is survived by one sister Carol Lash, Elizabeth PA; and two daughters Pamela Sue Gunter (Joseph Steiner) of Fayetteville PA and Frederick MD; and Jill Rae Kaufman (Dana Hammersley) of Rutherfordton NC; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Erma’s life will be scheduled for burial in her birthplace of Marianna PA.

It is impossible for the family to express enough gratitude to the administration and staff of Menno Haven Chambers Pointe. To the very end —Administrator Donna Starliper, nursing staff, Activities Director Ruth Harris, chaplains, PT/OT, housekeeping, hairdressing, and laundry staff went far above the call of duty to provide a safe and beautiful home for our Mother’s last 17 years.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.