Erma Alberta (Christiansen) Durant, 88, a resident of Clearfield, formerly of Allen, Nebraska, passed away early Monday morning, Aug. 9, 2010 at her home.
Born Nov. 16, 1921 in Owanka, South Dakota, she was the daughter of Lloyd Henry and Jessie Rebecca (North) Christiansen. She was a School Teacher and a Missionary. From 1949 to 1987 she served with Gospel Mission of South America and Biblical Ministries Worldwide as a missionary in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Guam as well as US mission headquarters in Pompton Plains, NJ and Langhorne, PA. Following her retirement, she helped her husband found Waterbury Bible Church in Nebraska where they then served for 10 years. She was a member of the Dixon County Historical Society in Allen, Nebraska.
On July 28, 1945 in California she wed the late Rev. F. Eldon Durant who preceded her in death on March 22, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Ethel Hulslander and Mardelle Sovereign, and two brothers, Lester Christiansen and infant brother Ralph Christiansen.
She is survived by four children, Timothy E. Durant and his wife Peggy of Clearfield, Philip H. Durant and his wife Barbara of Kansas City, MO, Faith D. Peppler and her husband Christopher Corman of Tucson, AZ, and Daniel D. Durant of West Milford, NJ, four grandchildren, Thad Durant and his wife Kim of Clearfield, Lydia Durant of Hilo, Hawaii, Lucas Durant and his wife Catherine of London, England, and Monica Kilmer and her husband Steve of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, two great grandsons, and a sister Fern Kronberg of Wausa, NE.
At the Request of the family there will be no public viewing. A public Memorial Service will be held on Aug. 21 at the First Baptist Church in Clearfield at 3 p.m. with Pastor Robert Achey officiating. There will be a gathering time from 2:30 p.m. till the time of service at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Eastview Cemetery in Allen, NE.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church, 111 North 2nd St. Clearfield, PA 16830 where she held her membership.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.