July 8, 1930 – August 14, 2023
Erva was born in Sisseton, South Dakota, to Irvin and Marie Iverson, immigrants from Norway. She grew up during the great depression with four siblings on a 160 acre ranch, and attended a one-room schoolhouse. She is survived by her siblings Irvin, Jr., Sharon and Barbara, and predeceased by her sister Patricia.
She met her husband, Virgil Umberger, at the end of WWII. They moved to Washington, living primarily in Kent, and were married for 44 years until he passed away in 1991. She is survived by the two children they raised, Alana and Richard, four grandchildren, Nicole, Spencer, Haley and Hayden, and two great grandchildren, Titan and Thorin.
Erva worked for Boeing for several years before opening three beauty salons, the last of which she worked alongside her dear friend, Jackie Robbins, for over 20 years. Erva was an active church member, a skilled seamstress, quilter, and avid gardener. She traveled extensively throughout the United States, and also visited Europe and Asia.
In 2003, Erva married Larry Swafford and they relocated first back to Sisseton, and then to Houston, Texas. After a serious fall in 2018, Larry lovingly cared for her until she passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, at the age of 93. A private memorial will be held in Washington State.
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