Emma L. Erickson

On Sunday we said “See you soon” to our beloved mother. Our mom, Emma, was full of spunk, sass, and determination. She leaves a deep legacy of positivity, love for her family and her faith. Emma Louise Graves Erickson passed away peacefully in Beaverton, OR on Sunday October 15, 2023 at the age of 81. Emma was born in Redding, Shasta County, California on July 25, 1942, to Alva and Loleta Graves and raised on the family Ranch in Ono, California. She loved her childhood on the ranch and often spoke of her horse “Kitty” and many wonderful adventures. She was a 1960 graduate of Shasta High School. Her love of family heritage and strong family values came from her foundation with her family. She met the love of her life Wendell Kim Erickson at church during a passionate discussion about belief in God’s power to heal you. The two were married on July 25, 1970 in the Oakland, California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Both were healed many times beyond human belief by God’s awesome powers. Kim passed away in 2006 and no doubt there’s a joyous reunion of those two. Emma is survived by 6 living children Alloa Jessee, Robert Erickson, Carmen True, Jodi White, Paul Erickson, and Roland Erickson. Emma was a mother to many beyond her own children fostering over 20 children in her lifetime. She always welcomed anyone into her home for a meal or a stay with her gracious hospitality. With Kim’s work as a Civil Engineer they moved often to explore many places over their lives including Juneau, AK, Woodland, CA, Brookfield, WI, Anchorage, AK and finally settling in Corvallis, OR. Emma was an active resident of Corvallis for over 30 years. Emma was such a kind and giving person who made sure everyone was welcomed. She never met a single person she didn’t befriend. The family enjoyed spending time at the Michigan family farm in Tustin where Kim was from and in Redding where Emma was from. Emma loved to travel and have adventures with her family. She was always on her way somewhere to visit or be of service. A hallmark and a passion Emma shared with her family and the youth was her love and ability to be outdoors and do extreme adventures. Emma led High Adventure Camps in Alaska, Wisconsin, and Oregon for the Girls Camp of her church where they would camp and backpack in extreme conditions. She was the steady hand ensuring all conditions were accounted for and helping her family forge strong memories and capabilities. A life of service was fulfilled by her religious and personal passions. Emma and Kim served as full-time missionaries in the inner-city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin something that was a treasured experience for the both of them. Emma was Primary President in Juneau, Alaska and served as Compassionate Service Leader in Brookfield, Wisconsin. She dedicated her time to the youth in 4-H and being involved in her church community. Throughout her life she had a strong passion for family history and was a skilled Genealogist, taking classes to better document family stories. She published two books on her family histories and was awarded 4-H Leader of the Year in Corvallis, OR. Emma is preceded in death by her husband Wendell Kim Erickson, daughter Rebecca & granddaughter Brianna White. She is survived by her siblings, Ray Graves, Roy Graves, and Linda Blue. Her children; Alloa and Scott Jessee of Hillsboro, OR, Robert Erickson Of Los Angeles, CA, Carmen True of La Jolla, CA, Jodi White of Corvallis, OR , Paul and Tiffiny Erickson of St. Helens, OR, Roland and Star Erickson. As well as her grandchildren Wendi and David Waltosz, Korrin Jessee, Ean Jessee, Megan and David Mendoza, Paige True, Kendall True, Eugene White, Sequoia White, David White, Alex White, Mercedes White, Aiyana White, Forest Erickson, Drew Erickson, Mason Erickson, Darcy Erickson, Bree Erickson, Maple Erickson, Koa Erickson, Asa Erickson, and Aspen Erickson. And her Great grandchildren; Raven, Paisley and Colton Waltosz, and Grover and August Mendoza. Services will be held Saturday October 21st at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 10am with a viewing at 9am 4141 NW Harrison Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330. Graveside services and luncheon to follow. Funeral Services Provided by McHenry Funeral Home, Inc. 206 NW 5th Street, Corvallis, OR 97330 PH 541-757-8141.

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Emma L. Erickson

July 25, 1942 - October 15, 2023