Dec. 19, 1938 - April 15, 2008

Leatrice Louise Erickson, 69, of Sweet Home lost her battle with cancer Tuesday while surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Garrison, N.D., and raised by Francis and Louise (Ehmann) Swanson.

Leatrice enjoyed embroidery, working in her flower gardens and reading. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Leatrice especially loved holidays, when her loved ones would gather together to enjoy each other's company. She cherished her dogs, Sandy, Sissy, Hannah and Abby.

Over Leatrice's lifetime, she spent 24 years employed at Smurfit Newsprint in Sweet Home. After retirement, she spent her time caring for her grandchildren.

Leatrice is and will always be known to her family and friends as a strong, dependable, loving person who gave it her all to the last day. Her body may be gone, but the memories that she left will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Delaine Erickson Sr.; daughters Lorna Chillas and husband Jeff of Redding, Calif., Linda Erickson of Redding, Tammy Grizzle and husband Leon of Sweet Home, and Julie Philpot and husband Rick of Lebanon; son DeLaine Erickson Jr. and wife Brandi of Sweet Home; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers Vernon Gohl and wife Carol of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Mark Swanson and wife Lori of Salt Lake City, Utah; stepbrothers Larry Swanson and wife Ann of Napa, Idaho, Bruce Swanson and wife Susan of Plains, Mont., Leland Swanson and wife Norene of Boulder, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Francis and Louise Swanson, Fred Gohl, brother Harold Ehmann and stepbrother Elliott Swanson.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Gilliland Cemetery.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements (www.sweethomefuneral.com).