March 24, 1936 - January 8, 2025
With great sadness the family of Phyllis Erickson announce her passing on
January 8, 2025, at 88 years of age.
She is survived by her sons, Randy, Michael, Brian and Steven Mitton.
She was predeceased by her father Ed Harsch; mother and stepfather
Rose and John Rathgeber; brothers Harold and Leroy Harsch; adopted
sister Lynn Jaquish.
With the assistance of two neighbours, Phyllis entered this world, home
delivered on the farm near Carbon, Alberta on March 24, 1936. When
she was 10 the family moved to a farm in the Blackie area where she
lived until her passing. She was a true farm girl and had fond memories
of those early years at Carbon. Even in her latter years she could
recount events from there as if they happened yesterday. As a child,
farm fresh eggs were a favourite and coincidentally her last breakfast
at home included eggs from Carbon. Phyllis always rose early to enjoy
the sunrise while having breakfast. Aside from the usual animals that
would regularly pass thru, mornings would be extra special if moose or
elk were spotted. She also took great pleasure in watching for songbirds
and looked forward to the spring bird migration, especially the swans.
Early in life she was introduced to health care and first aid as her brother
Leroy suffered from allergies and eczema. She would help change his
dressings and her mother always felt she was destined to be a nurse.
Ultimately that is the path she chose and in the mid 60’s began a fulfilling
career nursing. Many friendships were made, fun times had, and an
endless catalogue of memories were experienced at both hospitals.
Most of all, some of those friendships were so well grounded they were
embraced as an extended family and the source of many treasured
moments for Mom. LeeAnn Shultz; Sheri, Cory, Adam and Sarah
Goodman; Mary Ellen and Brian Erdman; Pauline, Brian, Quinn, Jaycee
and Cory Hawk, Jan Richardson; Blayne, Sharon, Chantal, Georgia and
Emma Johnson. She always looked forward to activities with you folks
and being there as your children grew.
Her neighbours, the Boudreau’s, Lyle, Kathleen, Ana, Eli, Eve, Lily, John
and Emily. Mom so enjoyed the visits from all the children, it really made
each day special for her.We know Mom held a special place in her heart
for all of you.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation and thanks to each of
these people for the kindness they showed Mom over the years and in
her final days. It was so comforting to know she had such caring friends.
Those closest to Phyllis will remember her for her love, devotion and
loyalty, to family, friends, the land, and those who found themselves
lucky enough to be in her care. She loved her life in the country, the
beautiful views all around her, she understood that life is a precious gift
and each day is special. She rose early to meet every day with joy and
thankfulness for the life she had received.
A Celebration of Life with reception will be held on Monday, March 24,
2025, at 1:00pm at the Heritage Inn (1104 11 Ave SE, High River,
AB T1V 1P2). A graveside service will be held afterward with
the immediate family attending.
To send condolences please visit www.lylereeves.com. Caring
for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig
Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.
