Rita Erickson

Rita Erickson, the daughter of Harvey and Fern (Crandell) Davis, was born August 11, 1923 in Grand Junction, Iowa, and departed this life February 10, 2017 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa. Rita lived her life to the age of 93 years, 5 months and 19 days.

Rita grew up and attended school in Grand Junction. On May 17, 1943, Rita Davis was united in marriage to Harvey Charles Erickson in Omaha, Nebraska. Two sons, Jerry and George, were born to this union. After their marriage, they farmed for many years in the Paton area until turning the farm operations over to their sons. They continued to live on the Century family farm and Charles worked in Jefferson. Charles passed away March 8, 1982. Rita lived on the family farm for a total of 55 years until December of 2003 when she became a resident of Greene County Medical Center Long Term Care. She had been a resident for 13 years at the time of her death.

Rita devoted her life to being a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. When her sons were young, Rita was a Cub Scout leader. She enjoyed music but is remembered mostly for her cooking, especially by her grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her two sons, Jerry and George (Peggy) all of Paton; six grandchildren: Donnie, Nick, Scott, John, Rhonda Kruse and Kristine Menz; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter-in-law, Irene.

A prayer service was held Monday, February 13, 2017 at the Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson with Rev. James Barnett officiating. A private burial by her family was held on Tuesday, February 14 at the Paton Township Cemetery. Serving as casket bearers were her grandchildren.

Brown Funeral Home, Jefferson.