ERNA (RIVINIUS) ZIMMERMAN, 86, of Oakesdale, passed away in Kennewick, WA on October 22, 2011. Erna was born on a farm in Coleharbor, N.D., on June 4, 1925, the daughter of Edward and Christina (Henne) Rivinius. At the age of eleven, her family moved from the farm to the town of Coleharbor. She received her grade school education in rural schools, graduating from Coleharbor High School as Salutatorian in 1943. She went on to attend business school in Bismarck and graduated at the top of her class. After a few years she moved to Spokane where she worked as a bookkeeper for Larson-Swalwell Motor Company. She married Homer B. Zimmerman in 1949 in Bismarck, N.D. The couple made their home on the family farm near Oakesdale, where she worked side-by-side with her husband. They were married for nearly 53 years when Homer died in 2002. They had two children Ray and Mary Lynn. Erna was a worker. She was always busy and even in her later years she looked for things to do that she called her "jobs." Erna was a fine seamstress sewing, most of her own clothes along with clothes for her children. She was always on the hunt for the best cinnamon roll or bread recipe and waffles for breakfast were a specialty. She loved her flowers and the beauty of her rock garden in the spring could easily be seen by those traveling by on the highway. She always had a craft project going, collected stamps from the time she was a child and she started painting after her children were grown. She leaves behind numerous beautiful paintings. Erna and Homer loved to travel and went on many trips and cruises in their last years together. She said they didn't get to do enough of that. They took up golf, playing mostly in Colfax. Erna loved her family and spent her life taking care of them. She saw that as her calling and we cannot thank her enough for all she gave us. She was so proud of her grandchildren. In 2007, Erna left her precious farm and moved to Kennewick to be closer to family. She handled the transition with grace and dignity. When she could no longer physically take care of her family or friends, she did it with wit and smile. She told us that every day at Hawthorne Court she thought it was her job to make someone laugh or smile. She was a woman of faith, and her faith is reflected in the faith of her family. Mrs. Zimmerman was a member of the Oakesdale Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter Mary Lynn Merriman and husband Bob of Kennewick, WA; her son Ray Zimmerman and wife Lorie of Lynnwood, WA; her brother Martin Rivinius and wife Laverne; and her grandchildren Steve & Annie Merriman, Ben Zimmerman, Corey, Justin, Jeremy, Christopher & Jennifer Smith. In addition to her husband Homer, Erna was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Esther Christman & Edna Becker and one brother Ben Rivinius. A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax, WA from 9 AM to 5 PM. The graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 at the Oakesdale Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11 AM at the Oakesdale Community Presbyterian Church. Memorials are suggested to the Oakesdale Fire Dept., or to the Oakesdale Community Presbyterian Church. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.