In Remembrance Of
Erma Brinton
Erma Lee (Parrish) Brinton, 96, of Topeka, KS formerly of Gower, MO passed away on January 24, 2026 at her home surrounded by love.
Erma was born in St. Joseph, MO to Charley and Minnie Parrish. She was raised in St. Joseph, MO and graduated from Benton High School in 1947. On September 18, 1948 she was united in marriage to Eldon Lee Brinton, and they were married for 61 years before his death in 2010.
Erma was a beloved and proud member of the Gower community since 1964. She was an active member of the Gower Christian Church and lived her faith daily. She was a willing volunteer for church, school and community organizations. She was a proud East Buchanan Bulldog booster for over 60 years and won awards for her volunteerism in the schools. It was not uncommon for many of her former 2nd grade students to come visit her even after high school graduation.
Erma held several jobs throughout her lifetime and was involved in too many organizations and activities count. She selflessly dedicated her life to caring for and serving others. Countless children benefited from having her as a Sunday School teacher, babysitter, a 4-H leader, a Girl and Boy Scout leader, a Band parent and her cake decorating skills. She ended her working career as serving for eleven years as the Activity Director at the Gower Convalescent Center. She enjoyed providing residents with fun, energizing and innovative programs and musical entertainment. She enjoyed cooking, tatting, sewing, quilting, playing the piano and flower gardening. Her homemade noodles are legendary. She was well known for her Lily of the Valley bouquets she delivered all over town each spring. She took great pride in her flower gardens, and her lawn had abundant color and beauty all through the growing season.
Erma was most proud of her family. She always supported and attended all sports and activities her children and grandchildren were involved in. Since moving to Topeka, she was also able to enjoy her great-grandchildren’s school programs and activities. She always had stories to tell and pictures to share with pride. Her legacy lives on through the values and lessons she instilled, the traditions she passed down and the unending love she shared so freely.
Erma was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; son-in-law, Bob Lagle; and her siblings, Thelma Ruse, Kenneth Parrish, Dorothy Delaney, and Rose Ann Tritten.
Erma is survived by her children, Lynne (Phil) Baker and Kate Lagle, Topeka, KS; and Dennis and Sondra Brinton, Gower, MO; her grandchildren, Brinton (Jess) Baker, Abbey (Greg) Murray, Eric (Julie Hagen) Brinton, and Piper (Lyle) Kirk; great-grandchildren, Kaelin Taylor-Baker (Jake Patterson), Riley Brinton, Rylan Baumchen, Charley Murray, Rowan Baker and Larissa Murray; great-great-granddaughter, Skylar Brinton; sister, Norma Bonham; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Joann Brinton; sister-in-law, Betty Brinton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Service: 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 30th at the Gower Christian Church AFC with visitation from 10:00-11:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Family Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Gower Christian Church. Mom spent her final days feeling safe, warm and comfortable and surrounded by cardinals. She will come to mind each time we see a cardinal. We will always remember her final words “I Love You More.”
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Service Details
Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph
10:00 a.m. Friday, January 30th at the Gower Christian Church AFC
11:30 a.m. Friday, January 30th at the Gower Christian Church AFC
Comments & condolences
11 comments
Bonnie Cox (Hardwick)
Erma blessed me with her loving, motherly ways. As Lynne’s friend both Eldon and Erma welcomed me into their home and as we were teenagers that was being very generous. Both of them made a huge difference in my life, and I will always be grateful for their loving example. Blessings to all the family. We wish we could have kept Erma forever, but she is now our heavenly guardian angel watching over us…so we’d best make the right choices as she taught us💕🙏
Kevin and Shannon Mann
Deepest Sympathy to the family. Aunt Erm was a special lady.
We are unable to attend but will honor her memory with a gift to Gower Christian Church.
We love you all and are praying for peace and comfort!
Debby Anderson
Sending love and sympathy to surround you as you grieve the loss of your amazing mother. I’m sure she was proud and grateful for the love and care you provided in her last years. And the love you all shared together all of your lives as such a close family. Hold on to the wonderful memories you made over the years. What a wonderful legacy she left with you. Love you!!!!
Joni Brown
Erma was one special lady and was loved by many. We were lucky to have known her. May your memories of her comfort you at this time.
Aaron N Grier
God bless all of your hearts in this sorrowful time. I relly enjoyed Erma, all of her kindness and spunk. She was always at everything her grandchildren were involed in. She was a tremendous friend to my grandmother, and she was very thankful for that. I remember attending a couple of Sunday fried chicken dinners that she prepared, some of the best I’ve had. She was a peach. Aaron Grier and family.
Connie/Jim Heidenreich
Dear Family of Erma,
What a beautiful life your Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Great-Great lived. What a legacy! We all wish we could do as many things and accomplish as much as she did!! We are thinking of all of you and praying for Erma as she is laid to rest and her hands can finally be still❤️❤️❤️🥰.
Much Love
Connie & Jim
Linda Clark Updike
May this lovely lady of faith rest peacefully as she joins others who have gone before. Love to all of the family.
Annette
Sorry to hear your sweet grandma has passed. The memories will last a life time in all your Hearts. Sending Prayers and Live to everyone.
Michael Roady
so very sorry for your loss.
Jim@ Nancy Horn
very sorry for your family’s loss.
Donna (Tanner) Miles
My sincere condolences for the loss of your mom.