Lois Elaine Erickson

Lois Elaine Erickson, 94, passed away peacefully at the Pinecrest Nursing Home in Mt. Morris, IL June 15, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 30, 1924 on the Robinson family farm in Chadwick, IL to Glenn and Hazel (Robinson) Kendell. She moved to Ashton IL in 1927 with her family, graduated from Ashton High School in 1942. Following graduation she attended Northern Illinois Teachers College DeKalb, IL for one year. She worked at the Green River Ordinance Plant for 2 years during WWII. Lois was married to her life long love Ralph E. Erickson on Feb. 25, 1944 in Dixon, IL. He preceded her in death Aug.6, 2006 after 62 years of marriage.

Lois was a business partner with her husband Ralph running a Hawthorn Melody Milk business for 16 years in Ashton and surrounding communities. She was also a loving Mother and homemaker to their five children. She was a long time member of the Ashton Bible Church, attending services regularly and assisting with Bible School and other activities. She was elected to the Ashton Village Board as the first woman Trustee from 1975 to 1979. And she was recognized by the board on Oct. 10, 2010 with a declaration of “Lois Erickson Day”. She served on the Ashton All Class Reunion committee from 1979 to 2004.

She loved walking at the Mills and Petrie building, gardening, and was an avid reader, and hosting the annual family Memorial Day picnic for over forty years. She loved attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. She also enjoyed watching sports on TV.

Survivors include a brother Richard (Zoya) Kendell of Yelm, WA; her children; Susan Foster of Ashton, Larry (Kathy) Erickson of Maricopa AZ, Penny (Dick) Linville of Sterling IL, Jack (Doralee) Erickson of Ashton, and Jill Nordman of Oregon. Grandchildren; Cindy (Jim) Knight of Ashton, Melissa (Dan) Gillette of Machesney Park IL, Matt (Melissa) Foster of West Brooklyn IL. Michelle (Roi) Montalvo of Chicago IL. Veronica (Robert) Byrd of Deer Lodge TN, Andrew (Jillian) Linville of Eagle Point OR, Rich (Jamie) Linville of Sterling IL, Alexander Linville of Bettendorf  IA, Colony (Josh) Buis of Sterling IL. Sean Erickson of Freeport IL, Kristina (Dwayne) Rangel of Rochelle IL, Christine (Nick) Nordman of Maricopa AZ, Brian (Brittany) Nordman of Byron IL, Angela (Jarrett) Nordman of Oregon IL.

Greatgrandchildren; Megan (Josh) Knight, Walker Knight, Kerri (Brett) Helwig, Kalley Foster, Kaleb (Lexus) Foster, Suzanna and Janae Gillette, Markus Montalvo, Kori and Jacob Howard, Penelope Linville, Poppy and Juniper Linville, Cybil and Vera Buis, Daniel Rangel, and Bella Torres. Also many nieces and nephews. Sister in-laws Hildegard Erickson and Betty Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her Brother Nevin (Rachael) Kendell, Sister Arlisse (Albert) Crouch, Son in-law David Foster,  Great grandchild Ryker Gillette, special friends Cheryl Eich and Pat Koechig.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. Visitation will be held at the Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home, 601 Richardson Ave. Ashton, IL Thursday, June 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held the next day, Friday June 21at 10:00 am at the Ashton Bible Church, 702 Main St. Asthon, IL, with visitation prior from 9:00 am until the time of service. Graveside to follow at Ashton Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Homes, Ashton, IL. Online condolences may be made at: www.beveragelyonsfamilyfh.com