Irma Douglas

Biography

Irma Ruth (Sterr) Douglass died Friday (March 5, 2004) at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. She was 96 years old.

She was born on August 26, 1907 in Republican City, Nebraska. She was the first born child of Joseph and Harriet Sterr, and was the last surviving of six siblings. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to McCook, where she spent the rest of her life. She was married to Harry W. Douglass on November 22, 1929. He preceded her in death in September 1997.

Irma graduated from McCook High School in 1925 and attended the first sessions of McCook Junior College, which were held in the YMCA. After graduation she worked as a secretary and assistant to John E. and Don Kelly, one of McCook's pioneering law firms. In time, she became a bonded abstractor and licensed real estate broker. With her husband Harry, she built and for many years managed the Downtown Motel, until selling it in 1962.

In the years following, Irma and Harry lived on an acreage South of McCook and continued their volunteer work in support of Boy Scouts and McCook athletic teams. She and Harry traveled extensively as part of the national Air Stream Trailer organization. From 1970 through 1999, Harry and Irma maintained a winter home in Rockport, Texas-but always returned home to McCook. After Harry's death in 1997, Irma moved to the Highland Park Retirement Center. A serious injury in 2000 necessitated her move to Hillcrest Nursing Home. She was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of McCook.

Irma is survived by her son, Robert Douglass and his wife Darlene of Georgetown, Texas and grandchildren, William Douglass of New York City, NY, Stephanie Douglass of Austin, Texas and Jennifer Kemmerer of Lafayette, Louisiana.

Funeral services were held at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, Wednesday, March 10, 2004. Burial took place in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials should be directed to the First Baptist Church of McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangments.