Erma Lou (Tubandt) Ames, 89, of Redfield, SD, and formerly of Tulare, SD, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.

   Her services will be held on Monday, April 22, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Her funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord officiating.  After the funeral, burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in rural Tulare.  Lunch and fellowship will follow at the Tulare Community Hall.

   Pallbearers are Jacob Ames, Justin Wright, Jason Oulman, Dan Ames, Chad Morgan, Tom Rudolph, and honorary pallbearer Derek Kieper.

   Erma’s funeral service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website below her obituary.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

   Erma Tubandt was born March 14, 1935, in Spink County to Lawrence and Olga Tubandt.  She spent her childhood on the family farm west of Tulare and graduated from Tulare High School in 1953.  She married Robert Ames the same year and they spent their early married life in Lead, SD, returning to the Ames family farm in 1960.

   Bob and Erma raised five children and after becoming “empty nesters” Erma worked several jobs both in Tulare and Redfield.  She especially enjoyed her clients while working at Home Health (no one liked cleaning more than Erma!)

   Erma enjoyed time with family and friends, especially camping.  In later life, Erma became an active walker and spent many hours walking her dogs in and around Tulare.  (Many thanks to the residents of Tulare for keeping a sharp eye out for our blind mother and her dogs).  She was a lifetime member of St. John’s Church and Tulare Legion Auxiliary. 

   Survivors include her children:  Kim Wright, Kathy (Dave) Johnson, Daryl (Paula) Ames, Tammy (Chuck) Morgan, and Lindy (Carlo) Gatewood, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Wendell (Betty) Ames, and sister-in-law Dores Tubandt.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Floyd, son-in-law David Oulman, and grandson Derek Kieper.