Erma Eileen Flitz Sellers Hardt, 99, of Litchfield, died at 8:46 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 1, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, with Rev. Fred Kraemer of Zion Lutheran officiating. Burial will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield. Masks will be required for those attending the services, per the family’s request. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mrs. Hardt was born on Dec. 7, 1921, in South Litchfield Township, a daughter of John and Mary (Bohlen) Flitz. She married Russell Franklin Sellers on July 7, 1939, he preceded her in death on June 18, 1979. She later married Arthur Alexander Hardt on Dec. 26, 1982, he preceded her in death on Aug. 21, 2004.
In her earlier years, Mrs. Hardt was employed at WEPCO and Sunshine Park in Litchfield. She dedicated her time to being a farm wife. Mrs. Hardt was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, where she was active in the Zion Ladies Aid. She was awarded the title of the oldest active farm woman in Montgomery County. Mrs. Hardt was a member of the Litchfield Senior Citizens, Montgomery County Genealogical Society and Montgomery County Home Extension. She was a tireless fruit and vegetable gardener, annually producing dozens and dozens of preserved canned foods. Mrs. Hardt enjoyed traveling, square dancing, quilting, seamstress work, fishing and boating. She volunteered her time for more than 25 years at local area nursing homes.
Mrs. Hardt is survived by one son, Merl Franklin “Frank” (Joan) Sellers of Falls Church, VA; one step-son, Lindell (Vernetta) Hardt of Litchfield; one step-daughter, Ivy (Frank) Gill of Mt. Olive; seven grandchildren, Hardt Sachs, Sunnie Jo (Bill) Gulliver, Blaze Hardt (companion, Cheryl), Corrie (Fred) Campbell, Dusttie (Dan) Beck, Warren Gill and Loren Gill; 14 great-grandchildren, Casey, Gaege, Cody, Chase, Holt, Jade, Jewel, Sabrina, Jonathon, Dylan, Evan, Austin, Alic and Leighton; and one great-great-grandchild, and another on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; one brother, Henry Flitz; one sister, Irene Fenton; and one grandson, Lucas Hardt.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Sellers-Hardt Vocational Scholarship Fund at Litchfield High School c/o Plummer Funeral Home. This scholarship fund is dedicated to Litchfield High School graduating seniors looking to pursue vocational trades and training. Mrs. Hrdt had the pleasure of presenting this scholarship award for several years at the high school. Condolences may be left online at www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
