Ermalea Mason

November 5, 1931 – June 29, 2026

Ermalea Mason, 94, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, in Salina, Kansas.

She was born on November 5, 1931, in Norcatur, Kansas, to Clarence and Vera (Bradley) Enfield. Throughout her long and meaningful life, Ermalea brought warmth, kindness, and a loving spirit to everyone who knew her.

Ermalea married the love of her life, Ralph Mason, in 1949 in Norton, Kansas. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. She spent her entire married life on the farm and was the quintessential farm wife, managing the household and effortlessly preparing meals for crews of farm workers.

Early in their marriage, Ermalea contracted polio. With her devoted husband by her side, she courageously fought the disease, painstakingly learning first to crawl and then to walk again. She never allowed her disability to define or limit her. Instead, her recovery became a lasting testament to her strength, determination, and resilience.

Ermalea never stopped learning, growing, or caring for the people she loved.

A woman of deep faith, she treasured her church and church families, first in Norton and later in Salina, where she moved following Ralph’s passing.

Ermalea had a passion for cooking and a heart for teaching. She spent many years guiding young people through 4-H cooking classes. Later in life, her desire to care for others led her to become a certified nursing assistant and certified medication aide. She worked at the Andbe Home in Norton, where her joyful spirit eventually led her to serve as activity director, bringing light and encouragement to residents each day.

Another of Ermalea’s great passions was handiwork. She was an avid needlepointer until her hands would no longer allow it. She then turned to crocheting, lovingly creating countless beautiful blankets for her family. Well into her early 90s, she continued crafting comfort for others through her beloved Prayer Shawl group.

Ermalea is survived by her devoted children, Todd Mason of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Leesa Peterman and her husband, Gary, of Salina, Kansas.

Her memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren, Tyler Long of Chicago, Illinois; Brandi Jackson and her husband, TJ, of McPherson, Kansas; Dylan Obermueller and his fiancée, Jenna, of Merriam, Kansas; and her step-grandson, Cody Peterman of Salina, Kansas.

She was the proud and loving great-grandmother of three great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

Ermalea was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Mason; her parents; her sisters, Joyce Stearns and her husband, Herb, and Marilyn Martin and her husband, Robert; and many dear brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Norton Cemetery in Norton, Kansas. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1 p.m. at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Church of the Cross United Methodist Church in Salina, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Ermalea’s memory to the Andbe Home in Norton. Contributions may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654.

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.