Erma Jean Venable

Erma Jean Venable, of Sarasota, Florida passed away gently while in the arms of her two sons on July 12, 2026 at the age of 92. After several months of declining health, our Lord and Savior took her peacefully into His loving arms to be with her beloved husband and best friend Troy Edward Venable.

Erma was born in Kennett, Missouri on July 6, 1934 to the late Arthur and Bernice Lebo. Erma was the oldest of eleven children with siblings Jewel-Louise Bowling (deceased), Lois-Aileen Lebo (deceased), Iva-Burlene Hillenburg (deceased), Sybil-June Besand, Linda-Joyce Cobb, Shirley Metcalf, Patsy Rogers, Arthur (Sonny) Lebo, JR , Douglas-Lynn Lebo, Dennis-Glenn Lebo (deceased).

Erma’s biggest joy was supporting her beloved husband throughout his life, raising their two sons and loving her three grandchildren. She was well known for her homemade chocolate rolls and chocolate gravy.

She and her husband were charter members of the Manasota Elks club in Bradenton Florida and were active in their many charitable and social events. Erma and Troy moved to Rockford, IL in 1951 where they had careers and raised their family. They moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1986 and enjoyed a long healthy retirement involving family life and entertaining loved ones and friends.

Erma is survived by Steven Venable (son) who lives in Sarasota, Florida , Stefanos (Scott Allen) Venable (son) who lives in Elmhurst, IL and is a member of the US Army, Valeria-Jean Maria Venable (granddaughter) who lives in North Dakota and is an Officer in the US Air Force, Joshua-Troy Constantinos Venable (grandson) who lives in Missouri and is an Officer in the US Army, Zachary-Brock Vasilios Venable (grandson) who lives in Elmhurst, Illinois and is a Junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Erma is predeceased by Troy Edward Venable (spouse), January 22, 1929-September 24, 2022 and Judith Ann Venable (daughter), July 29, 1950-November 26, 1950. 

Visitation will be 10:00AM to 11:15 AM, Friday August 21, 2026 at the McDaniel Funeral Home, 115 South Bypass Road, Kennett, Missouri 63857. Funeral Services will be at 11:15 AM, Friday, August 21, 2026 at the McDaniel Chapel in Kennett with Reverend Doug Clinton officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

Online Condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com