Erma Lee Nuss was born to Arthur and Rose (Herrmann) Krumrey on July 26, 1923, on a farm near Dodge City, Kansas. She died July 3, 2018, at Brewster Place in Topeka. Erma Lee was a graduate of Dodge City Junior College and Fort Hays State College. She was proud to serve children as a Kansas educator for nearly 40 years, signing her first contract at age 18 to teach in a one-room schoolhouse.

In 1947 Erma Lee married Hubert Nuss, a fellow educator. Together they raised two children. In addition to being a dedicated educator, loving wife, and devoted mother, Erma Lee volunteered for many activities. Among other things she served as state president of Kappa Kappa Iota (educators' sorority), president of United Methodist Women, president of PTA, sponsor of student library club, and Sunday school teacher. Just as important, she was also a room mother, Scout leader for girls and boys, and chauffeur for her son's baseball teams. She led a full life and touched many others.

Erma Lee is survived by her son, Lawton Nuss and his wife Barbara of Topeka; grandson Ethan Nuss of Minneapolis, MN; granddaughter Anastasia Garruss and husband Alex of Cambridge, MA; grandson Arthur Nuss and wife Holly of Apollo Beach, FL; granddaughter Rachael Nuss of New Braunfels, TX; grandson Graham Nuss of Loveland, CO; and 3 great-grandsons and 1 great-granddaughter. She loved them all very dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Hubert Nuss and Forrest Smith; brother Arthur; and daughter Melanie.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am Monday, July 9, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. Graveside services will follow at 2 pm at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
Erma Lee's family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm Sunday, July, 8, 2018, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Nuss Teacher of the Year Award, Salina Education Foundation, Box 797, Salina, KS 67402-0797.

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