Irma J. Earley, 88, former long-time resident of Ward Township, PA passed away peacefully on June 14, 2017 at the Bradford County Manor, where she has resided since 9/24/2016.

She will be greatly missed as a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.Born October 2, 1928, she was the ninth of 13 children born to the late Fred S. and Mabel (Mason) Machmer.Irma was raised on the mountain in Ward Township, Tioga County, where she was born.She was a 1946 graduate of Canton High School.On June 20, 1947, she married Max M. Merritt and together they had three daughters.In August of 1964, Irma and the girls moved back to the mountain from Victor, NY.
On January 27, 1969, she married Richard Earley and they lived on the mountain until his passing on Nov. 28, 1976.She worked at Canton Manufacturing, Valvair, the Canton A & P, IGA, Holiday Market and D&H Keystone Market.She was a nanny for Ashley Clark for four years, before retiring.Irma left the mountain on Sept. 30, 1992 and was one of the first residents of the Cedar Ridge Apartments in Canton.Many friends were made while living there for 24 years. She especially enjoyed times spent in the gazebo, gardening, bingo and the monthly dinners.
On Aug. 10,2016 she became a great-great grandmother to Joanna Grace Shedden and was so very happy she got to hold her and have a fifth-generation photo taken.

Irma is survived by her daughters, Maxine (Dave) Shedden of Canton, Linda Merritt of Canton and Deborah (Thomas) Elliott of Towanda; a step-daughter, Kay Earley of California; two grandsons, Charles (Teresa) Shedden of Canton and Craig Shedden of Denver, CO; also Ashley (Michael) Woodruffand son Landon of Milton who was like a granddaughter to Irma; a step-grandson, James (Linda) Shedden and son Sean of Jakarta, Indonesia; four great grandchildren, Olivia (Rafael) of Almeria, Spain, Jacob (Susan), Samuel and Noah Shedden all of Canton; a great-great granddaughter, Joanna Grace Shedden; a brother, Paul Machmer of Twin Oaks Personal Care Home, Granville Summit.Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Carol Morgan and Mertella (Tom) Smith and several nieces and nephews who will miss their Aunt Irma.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Richard Earley; siblings, Lawrence (Millicent) Machmer, Robert (Ethel) Machmer, Kathryn (Linnaeus) Ervay, Leah (John) Osipovitch, Irvin (Thalia) Machmer, David (Mary Lou) Machmer, Jean (Robert) McWilliams, Harold Machmer, Russell (Ethelyn) Machmer, Mason Machmer and Winifred (Don) Kutz; a sister-in-law, Emma Machmer and several nephews and nieces.

Calling hours are 4 – 7 P.M. Monday, June 19, at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton.Pastor Jerry Schmidt and Kathy Miller of the Ward United Methodist Church will officiate the funeral service following visitation.Burial will be private in Windfall Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Ward United Methodist Church, c/o Maxine Shedden, 474 Furman Rd. Canton, PA 17724.Share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com