Age 91, Erma left us to join her loved ones in heaven on February 26, 2026. She was born in Success, AR to Thomas and Martha Riles on August 16, 1934. She was raised in Corning, AR and spent many years in Aurora, IL before moving to Mesa, AZ in 1982.
As a single mother of two, Carol and Dave, Erma worked at Milford Rivet in Aurora, IL and waitressed at The Stallion Restaurant. It was at the Stallion that she met Walter “Bud” Larrison. They were married on August 22, 1964, and she became an additional mother to three boys, Steve, Danny, and Brad.
Many years later, when she returned to the workforce, she enjoyed working at Coles La Vogue Coiffures until she and Bud moved to Mesa, AZ in 1982. She continued to work for many years managing mobile home parks for Double J Mobile Home Park, Sierra Mobile Manor, and Cypress Estates.
Beginning in June of 1999, Erma rounded out her career as a permit technician, making friends across multiple counties, for Gleeson Mobile Home Service in Mesa. Retiring in September of 2009. Erma enjoyed a full and long life traveling, camping, playing cards, serving on the board of Village Grove Mobile Home Park, she loved the Lord, her husband, her family, and her friends.
Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Bud”, parents, Thomas Riles and Martha White, sister, Ava (Henry) Tidwell, brother, Waymon “Bud” (Mildred) Riles, brother Richard “Unk” Riles, daughter Carol Greenbusch, son Brad Larrison, granddaughter Melissa Rutherford, and son Steve (Pam) Larrison.
She will be missed beyond words by her sons Dave (Randi), and Danny (Becky), 11 grandchildren Jennifer (Richard), Lori, Merrinda (Rich), Jason (Colleen), Myles (Tina), Tim (Shannon), Preston, Jeremy, Justin and PJ (Stacy), 22 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
We will miss her, but know that she is in heaven playing cards, once again enjoying those gone before her, and peacefully watching over us all.
Erma was a wonderful friend and neighbor. From the day that I moved in to the home across the street, she welcomed me and taught me the ropes of living in Arizona. She never failed to end any of our visits with “Let me know how I can help you.” I told her many times “I want to be like you when I grow up.” There is an empty spot in my heart where Erma belongs.
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community
Erma was a wonderful friend and neighbor. From the day that I moved in to the home across the street, she welcomed me and taught me the ropes of living in Arizona. She never failed to end any of our visits with “Let me know how I can help you.” I told her many times “I want to be like you when I grow up.” There is an empty spot in my heart where Erma belongs.