Who can find a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31:10 Nora Etta (Hobbs) Erwin, 83, passed away in her home on December 21, 2015. She was born on Dec. 22, 1931 to Coy and Pearl (Zongker) Hobbs on the family farm, northwest of Walnut Grove in the community of Oak Grove. Nora Etta was named after her Grandmothers, Nora (Hargraves) Hobbs and Rosetta (McCroskey) Zonker. She was fourth in a family of five daughters: Bonnie Underwood, Barbara Cunningham, Peggy Blakemore and Sandra Kelley, who all preceded her in death.

Nora Etta attended the one room school of Oak Grove until fifth grade, when she started in the Walnut Grove school system. She graduated with the class of 1949. It was here she met her high school sweetheart, Ray Erwin. They were married on May 5, 1951, raising five children and sharing 39 years together until his death on Nov. 16, 1990.

Nora Etta worked as a cook for the Walnut Grove School for 19 years. She held every office in the Walnut Grove PTA and was involved in the athletic booster club, drama and music as her children and grandchildren participated in these activities. She was an avid reader, accomplished seamstress, a great cook and enjoyed going to yard sales.

Nora Etta was a lifelong member of the Oak Grove-Flint Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday School teacher, led many Vacation Bible Schools and enjoyed quilting with the Church ladies. In the last few years she attended the Eudora Baptist Church as her health allowed.

Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28. Donna Rae (Dale) Bean, Joplin, Don (Christine) Erwin, Walnut Grove, Robert (Dena) Erwin, Strafford, Katy (Mike) Abbott, Walnut Grove, and Denise (Paul) Jones, Inola, Ok.

Her 11 grandchildren are Angie (Richard) Haslett, Andy Bean, Tammy Erwin, Toni (Marty) Hill, Jena Erwin, Jordan Erwin, Austin (Erica) Abbott, Erin (Robby) Morisset, Cassie (Dusty) Carriger, Jerry Ray Jones, and Carli Jones.

Her eleven great-grandchildren are Easton, Rhett, Etta Rae, Reece, Tyler, Aidan, Cooper, Bentley Raye, Amelia, Drew, and Mallory.

Thank you to Hospice Compassus Nurse Paula and Jeanne.

Services will be Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in Wilson Brim Daniel Chapel, Walnut Grove, Mo. with Rev. Jim White officiating with interment following in Oak Grove Cemetery, north west of Walnut Grove.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the Walnut Grove Chapel.

Memorials may be given in her memory to Hospice Commpassus.