Erma Jean Bernard

Erma Jean Sholler Bernard, age 94, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, Dec 20, 2025, at Wesley Glen Retirement Community.

 Born in Wilmington, Ohio on January 17, 1931, to Herbert and Ellen Mae Sholler, Erma was raised with two brothers, Herbert Jr and Harold.

 Erma was a senior at Wilmington High when Glenn Bernard drove his motorcycle by the Dairy Queen where she was sitting with a friend; he offered her a ride, they fell in love, and married on April 4, 1949 in Richmond, IN. Erma took great pride in the big, brick home on their Clinton County farm, renovating and redecorating it into a true showpiece. She was a devoted mother to her three children and a dedicated farm wife, feeding home-cooked meals to farmworkers in the fields, driving the tractor, sourcing machinery parts, planting flowers and trees and mowing acres of grass. She was an integral part of the community; raising three children, singing at church events, raising money for the hospital and volunteering at 4-H and her childrens' school. She translated her interest in refinishing furniture and decorating into an antiques restoration and dealing business, and for many years chaired the Antique Show at the annual Clinton County Corn Festival. She welcomed the eventual arrival of seven grandchildren, entertaining them with baking lessons, trips to the city, hikes, art projects and side-quests. 

Her family and friends, and her community at Wesley Glen where she spent the past six years, will remember her as a spirited storyteller and a talented singer and dancer who could light up a room with her smile. She was so much to others but she was also always entirely true to herself; independent, confident, and determined.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glenn and her son, Victor. She is survived by her daughters, Connie Bishop (Pat Smith) and Brenda Custis (Tim); grandchildren Marie Bernard (Gretchen Hansen), Lewis Bernard (Molly), Kyle Custis (Kathleen), Natalie Custis, Glenn Custis (Rieta), Carrie Hays (Lee) and Scott Bishop; and great grand-children Jane and Graham Custis, Drew and Katie Hays, Connor and Christopher Bishop, Jude Bernard Hansen and Matilda and Violet Bernard. Sister-in-law Julie Bernard, and brother-in-law Larry Bernard. 

A private graveside service will be held on December 26. A memorial will be held with the family at a later date.

If you would like to donate in Erma's memory, she would like to direct your giving to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 in honor of her son Victor, who passed from heart disease.