Avis Erickson

Avis L. Erickson, 93 of Froid, passed away on July 2, 2012, at Tender Nest Home in Billings, where she had resided since February. Avis was born in Froid, Montana on January 24, 1919, the daughter of David and Myrtle (Brenden) Gunderson.

On October 27, 1938, Avis married Gilford Erickson, in Sidney, MT. To this union, 14 children were born, 3 dying at birth. Together they worked hard providing for their family. After the children were older, Avis took a job cooking at the Culbertson Hospital and later baking and cooking at various restaurants, creating many beautiful and delicious pies, bread, and doughnuts for her customers and family.

Later in life, she cherished the times spent with her family, spending weeks at a time with many of her children, to care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel and visited many European countries, including Norway twice.

Avis loved baking, gardening, and fishing. Her quick wit and comebacks always kept people on their toes. She will be remembered for her brilliant sense of humor, which she maintained until the very end.

Avis is survived by her children; Myrna Mantei of Rapid City, Beverly Johnson (Archie) of Great Falls, Ronald Erickson (Charlotte) of Belt, Diana Erickson of Seattle, Shelly Fallang (Bob) of Bozeman, Julie Erickson (Greg Sunwall) of Froid, MT, Tina Mitten (Kim) of Greenfield, IN, and Lisa Wamsley (Mark) of Helena; 29 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren; many other relatives; and her special friends she made at Tender Nest.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gilford Orton Erickson in 1995; 3 stillborn children; and sons Terry Lee, Geoffrey Orlan, and Randy Lee; 1 grandchild; 4 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Chet Mantei; and her siblings, Evelyn, Norman, Arlene, and Lenny.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Reception was held in Billings on July 3. Memorial Services will be held in Froid at a later date. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Froid Community Center.