Erna Ramberg
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Long time Chinook resident, Erna Ramberg, 99, passed away October 22, 2017 while at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.
Erna was born at the family farm north of Big Sandy June 10, 1918 to Max and Adelia Clawiter. Erna attended rural school through the eighth grade. Her mother passed away when Erna was only 16 years old. Erna held jobs at an early age. She cooked for the McNamara household of Big Sandy for a while and then as a waitress in Havre where she met her husband, Ray Ramberg. Erna and Ray were married on January 20, 1941, a marriage that lasted for 59 years. Ray passed away October 1, 2000.
Erna and Ray ranched on the Ramberg family ranch from 1941 until 1989. They raised registered Hereford cattle from 1942 until 1973. Erna loved traveling with Ray to the many bull shows and sales in Montana. For 25 years she acted as secretary for the Bear Paw Hereford Breeders Association. Sheep were also an integral part of the ranch. Erna raised many "bum" lambs which she always referred to as her "pets." Erna also raised chickens from which she sold eggs to Buttreys in Havre. Many times, the eggs paid the grocery bill for the month. A special Sunday dinner was usually fresh raised chicken and mashed potatoes.
She moved to town in 1966, when her daughter Patty started high school. Erna started a job working at JC Pennys, followed by jobs at Martins Drug Store, Herda Drug, Gambles, and finally Paulson's Hardware where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1994.
Erna loved to sew and make latch hook rugs, until her eyesight wouldn't allow her. Cooking was her forte though, and many Chinook residents particularly enjoyed her banana bread.
She joined Eastern Star in 1973 and really loved the comradery of the sisterhood. One of her favorite aspects of Eastern Star was the formal attire. Not only did she dress the part for Eastern Star, but she was known as being a classy dresser. She loved her clothes.
Above all else, Erna loved her family. She was proud of her family and loved to tell anyone who would listen about them.
Erna was preceded in death by her husband in 2000 and her brothers and sisters; Bertie Moore, Charlotte Phillips, Ella Gerson, Mamie Savik, Max Clawiter and Floyd Clawiter.
She is survived by her children Patty (Marvin) Cross, Gary (Debbie) Ramberg. Her grandson Ray Ramberg (Scotti) and granddaughter Merrylee Ramberg (Jeff Heggem) and great grandsons Conner and Alex.
At Erna's request there will be no service. A celebration of life will be held November 25, 2017, 2pm at the Chinook Eagles.
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