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Vierma "Erma" Stanar, 94, of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 3, 1932, in Weirton, WV, one of five children of the late George A. and Mary Brewer Sheotes. Her father, an immigrant from the Greek island of Chios, named her "Hermoine," a name that reflected her Greek heritage. Erma grew up with a deep appreciation for family, faith, and the traditions she would cherish throughout her life.
Erma's love story began at age 15, at a man-made swimming hole along Kings Creek, where she met Stanley "Buddy" Stanar. Their teenage romance blossomed into a lifelong devotion. On July 29, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, beginning nearly 70 years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family that grew to include four daughters, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Erma attended Weir High School before moving to Baltimore, Maryland, with her aunt where she continued her education and graduated from the International Correspondence School. She also worked in the bookkeeping department of the Equitable Trust Company, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic served her well.
Following their marriage, Erma and Buddy, a proud United States Navy veteran of the Korean War, operated a restaurant, bar, and lounge together. They worked side by side for six years before selling the business and returning to their hometown of Weirton.
An able businesswoman and bookkeeper, Erma found her greatest joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Upon returning to Weirton, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to creating a loving home and raising their four daughters. Her family remained the center of her world, and she treasured the love, laughter, and memories they shared.
Erma’s faith was an important part of her life. She nourished that faith at Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Steubenville, Ohio, where she was a devoted parishioner and a proud member of the Petar Krstich Choir. Through her participation in the choir, she shared her love of sacred music and the beautiful traditions of the Orthodox Church. She was also a member of the KSS Vidovdan and the Petka Kolo Circle of Serbian Sisters, where she enjoyed the fellowship and shared commitment to faith, heritage, and community.
Throughout her 94 years, Erma witnessed many changes in the world, but the things that mattered most to her never changed: her faith, her family, and the love she shared with Buddy. From two teenagers meeting at a swimming hole along Kings Creek to a lifetime spent building a family together, theirs was a love story that became the foundation for generations to come.
In addition to her parents, Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley "Buddy" Stanar, who passed away on April 23, 2022; her six-year-old grandson, Andrew Stanar-Johnson; her brothers, William and Ernest Sheotes; and her sisters, Katherine Vidich and Dorothy Truax.
Erma will be remembered with love by her four daughters, Sandy Stanar, Stephanie (James) Checkler, Cynthia "Babe" (Vasile) Maragos, and Michelle Stanar-Biele; her grandchildren, Maricela Irene (Ryan) Wall, Arianna Lynn (Brian) Kettmer, Milena Vierma Maragos, Strati (Stevan) Vasile Maragos, Sava Andrew Checkler, Selena Michelle Biele, Angelica Renee Biele, and Luke Nicholas Biele; and her five great-grandchildren, Maya Ann, Lucia Maria, and Nova Sean Wall, and Sophia Michelle and Connor Andrew Kettmer. Erma will also be lovingly remembered by the many people whose lives she touched with her unconditional love, including those who came to know and love her as "Mom."
Visitation will be held at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, 2pm - 7pm on Friday, with Pomen service at 6:30. Additional visitation will be held from 11:30am - 12: 30pm at Holy Resurrection Eastern Orthodox Church in Steubenville.
Her funeral will start at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church.
The V. Rev., Stavrophor Rajko Kosic will preside alongside Deacon Mark Vukelic, her beloved nephew.
She will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Steubenville.
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Share tributes with her family at www.grecohertnick.com