Betty Erickson
Betty Jeanette Erickson, 90, Fargo, ND, formerly of Kindred, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at Sanford Health in Fargo. Betty Jeanette Quamme was born April 28, 1924 to James and Anna Quamme. Betty grew up on the family farm near Dwight, ND. She graduated from Wahpeton High School and Valley City State Teachers College. Betty taught elementary school in Leonard, Erie, and at Riverside Country School near Kindred. On October 25, 1947, Betty married Kenneth E. Erickson at the church in Dwight. Betty and Ken moved to the farm in rural Kindred where they raised their family.
Betty was a busy farmer’s wife and was active in the community and Gol Lutheran Church in rural Kindred. Although she left education as a vocation when she married, Betty was a life-long teacher. She served in many ways by teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and being active in Ladies Aid, Circle, 4-H and Cub Scouts. She was a talented seamstress, gardener, excellent cook, famous maker of desserts, and enjoyed oil painting. Her grandchildren enjoyed activities at the farm, such as baking sugar cookies and many adventures exploring and picking raspberries. In 2000 Betty and Ken moved to Fargo, where they have been active in the Encore group at Bethel Church, keeping fit walking at the mall, and enjoying travel. Their special gift has been serving others, visiting friends in the hospital and in nursing homes. Betty had a special bond with her five sisters and they had many adventures together. On May 24, 2014, the extended family gathered to celebrate Ken and Betty’s 90th birthdays. Betty’s strong faith in Jesus Christ was a shining example and blessing to all who knew her.
Betty is survived by her husband, Kenneth E. Erickson, Fargo, ND; Her children Steven (Linda) Erickson of Prior Lake, MN; Shelli (Roger) Conner of Mt. Dora, FL; and Paula (Monty) Mertz of Fargo, ND; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; sister Carole Pederson, Mercer Island, WA; brother-in-law Richard Ernst, New Brighton, MN; sister Ella Strand, Scottsdale, AZ; sister Adeline Erickson, Fargo, ND; sister and brother-in-law Norma and Myron Johnson, Naples, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Anna Quamme; brothers Andrew Quamme and Paul Quamme; sister Joan Ernst; and great-grand daughter Kenadey Faye Jensen.
Lee and I send our condolences. We’re saddened that our Kindred “family” is smaller, but know Betty is in God’s hands.
Lee and Becky Mindemann
Betty was a wonderful Christian lady, always smiling. She made you feel good when you were around her.
She will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Kenneth, Steven, Shelli, Paula, and your families. Our Kindred family seems to be shrinking far too fast!
My deepest sympathy to Ken and the family. I so enjoyed seeing the lovely picture of the birthday celebrations! I can only wish you all “peace” during this sad time.
Donna Odegaard
Dear Shelli and Paula and all others in Betty’s family. My memories of your Mom are years old, but caramel rolls and a “Heavenly Pie” (meringue crust?) come to mind. God’s love and comfort to you all as you mourn your loss, but I know you also have God’s peace in knowing she’s with her Lord and you will see her again. Dee
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear Betty. We send our thoughts and prayers to the Erickson family. Wonderful memories of her will make you smile! Julie and Bob
I was saddened to learn of Betty’s death — a loss to our “Golers.” I have so many fond memories of our families interacting over the years. Betty and Ken were kind and diligent about visiting their Kindred friends and I know Ole and Joyce always appreciated the time they spent together. I hope that many happy memories will soften the pain of your sadness.