Bettie Frances Erickson

RICHMOND, Ind. – Bettie Frances Erickson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, age 68, of Richmond, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 19, 2012, at Golden Living Center-Richmond. Born December 8, 1943, in New York City, New York, to James A. and Medrith McDonald Weeks, she was a 1961 graduate of Bayside High School in New York. Bettie worked in the children’s ministry in Manhattan’s lower east side. She worked at Teen Challenge in New York City, helping people with addictions, working alongside David Wilkerson from 1959 to 1961. Bettie attended Central Bible College from 1961 to 1962. She attended and served at Ministerial Training Faith Homes in Zion, Illinois, from 1963 to 1970. Bettie was a missionary from 1970 to the early 1990’s in Kenya, East Africa, where she taught at Kaimosi Bible College, developing the curriculum as well. Along with her husband, she taught at Manna Bible Institute and Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College. Bettie was also involved with ministry to the Maasai tribe around Mount Kilimanjaro. She was a lifelong learner and received a B.S. degree from Indiana University in behavioral and social science with a concentration in sociology. Bettie was a Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor (CADAC). She worked at Meridian Mental Health Services as a substance abuse counselor. Bettie attended Fountain City Wesleyan Church. She was very artistic with her painting, drawing, and jewelry making. Bettie was fluent in Spanish and Swahili and could play the accordion and piano. She enjoyed reading and shopping. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Evan Erickson, to whom she was married on November 8, 1968; three daughters, Elizabeth “Lisa” Marie (Dale) Felsman, Rachel Katherine Erickson, and Kristen Ruth Erickson, all of Richmond; son, Evan James Erickson of Plainfield, Indiana; grandchildren, Elijah Felsman and Naomi Felsman; sister, Marie (Bob) Evans of Muncie; nieces, including Cathy (Ken) Adams of Dallas, Georgia; nephews, including Robert (Kathy) Evans Jr. of Lafayette, Indiana; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Doris Byrd and Marilyn Weeks. Visitation for Bettie Frances Erickson will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor David Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Kaimosi Bible College, c/o Evan Erickson, 501 S.W. 15th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com

Bettie Frances Erickson

December 8, 1943 - August 19, 2012