Dora Jean Erickson

Dora Jean Armstrong Erickson, 79, passed away Friday, August 31, 2007 at the home of her daughter in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Jean was born during a blizzard on January 28, 1928, the second child and only daughter of William Leslie (Les) and Dora Harmon Armstrong. She was raised in the Rigby area active in softball and journalism (interests she maintained throughout her life.) She graduated Valedictorian of her 1946 class from Midway High School. She was able to attend one semester at University of Utah in Logan. On May 12, 1947, she married her life’s companion, Robert William (Bob) Erickson in Bozeman, Montana. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on Feb 27, 1982. He passed away on July 2, 1993. They became the parents of nine children. They spent most of their married life in and around the Idaho Falls area – Lewisville, Idaho Falls and Bybee. After her husband’s death, Jean lived in Moore, Idaho and Okanogan, Washington, returning to Idaho Falls in 2004. Jean was active in 4-H, cub scouts and family history. She sold cards door to door, was a Watkins salesman, and was later employed by the Party Shop, Scotties, and as a registrar and election clerk for Bonneville County. She enjoyed fishing and camping near Robinson Creek where they owned property and cut firewood. Jean is survived by her nine children and two brothers: • Roberta (Mrs. Byron) Wheeler of Salt Lake City, Utah • Alice (Mrs. Michael) Beasley of Idaho Falls, Idaho • William Robert (Bill) Erickson of Clearfield, Utah • R. Ray (Gayle) Erickson of Littleton, Colorado • Conal Jay Erickson of Ucon, Idaho • Terri (Mrs. Lonnie) Coles of Viola, Idaho • Peggy (Mrs. John) Fowler, of Tumwater, Washington • Helen (Mrs. Tom) Leffler, of Morris, Illinois • Sarah Samuelson, of Clinton, Illinois. Brothers: Dale Armstrong of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Artell Armstrong of Vernal, Utah She is also survived by 38 Grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and numerous friends and relatives who rallied to her side during this last illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, Idaho with Bishop Dale Armstrong conducting. The family will meet with friends and family on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the Funeral Home. Jean will be buried next to her sweetheart Bob in the Parker Cemetery following the services.