Erma Elda Yost, GW #138

Erma was born 28 March 1897 to Reuben and Minnie (Bowersox) Yost.  The Yost family moved around a bit, so I am not sure where Erma was born.  The family lived in the Williamsport area at times.  That is probably where Erma was acquainted with the Gospel Workers.  Even though the Gospel Worker Society headquarters was moved from Williamsport to Cleveland in 1907, some Gospel Workers stayed in Williamsport, continuing their ministry and maintaining a presence.  In 1914, at 17 years old, Erma is listed in the Williamsport city directory, working as a domestic at the Williamsport Hospital. Erma joined the Gospel Workers by 1920 where she shows up in Cleveland, Ohio in the US census.  However, she did not remain with the Gospel Workers.  I did not find her in the census in 1930 or 1940.  In 1950, she is in Williamsport, working as a cook in the Park Home.  This was a retirement home for elderly women.  From Erma’s obituary, it is learned that Erma had worked with the Salvation Army for a time.  Perhaps that is why she is not found in the census for 1930 and 1940 (moving around a lot?).  Erma died on 14 February 1982 and is buried with family members in the Mazeppa Union Cemetery in Union County, Pa.