Erma Tippett, a Wallowa County native and long-time Joseph restaurant owner, died in   Asotin at the age of 97. 

Erma was born on Jan. 2 1914, in Enterprise to Josie and Lloyd Morrison. At the young age of 17 Erma bought the store in Imnaha where she lived and ran the business. 

Later Erma would marry her first husband Charles Thompson, and from this marriage came a daughter, Sharon. The couple later divorced. 

In June 1946 Erma married the love of her life, Ben Tippett, and together they had two children, Vikki (Bonfield) and Dan Tippett. 

Ben and Erma bought The Gold Room in 1951 in Joseph where they lived and worked until he died in 1968. Erma continued to run the bar and restaurant by herself until 1979 when she moved to Asotin. 

Erma, also known by the nicknames Big Red, Momo and Miss Kitty,  spent all of her life helping people in need up until just before her death, according to family members.

She is survived by son Dan Tippett, daughter Vikki Bonfield, son-in-laws Dave Bonfield and  Delwyn Zollman, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and countless friends.

Erma is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Joy and Thelma, daughter Sharon and husband Ben and grandchildren Kandi Bonfield, Dirk Zollman and Karla Earl.  

A potluck and celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the Enterprise Elks Lodge.