Betty Lou Erickson, 89

Betty Lou Erickson, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away Monday, Jan. 10, 2022 at Polson Health and Rehab at the age of 89.

She was born March 9, 1932 in Conrad, Mont., to Mildred Simms and H.W. “Pat” Hart. She spent her early years in Conrad before the family moved to the Finley Point area in Polson. She attended Polson schools, where she met the love of her life, Fred B. Erickson Jr.

Betty and Fred were married May 21, 1947 and remained married for 64 years until Fred’s passing. Together they raised their five children.

Betty began her nursing career in 1956 and worked in various positions in that field. She was a wonderful nurse and caregiver who treated all her patients with love and compassion.

Betty enjoyed camping, reading, sewing, crocheting, ceramics, cooking, baking (her cinnamon rolls were bake-off winners — so delicious), playing cards and board games with family and friends, but most of all she loved her family, friends and all the fur babies she had over the years. She was a faithful member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and she dearly loved her church family as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Pat Hart; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred Erickson Sr. and Hessie; husband Fred Erickson Jr.; daughter Laura Corcoran; great-grandson Zachary Gafford; and her three brothers.

She is survived by daughters Charlotte (Perry) Fall, Debra Gafford and Kathi Sanders; son Patrick Erickson; sister Dorothy (Dr. Wayne) Hoss; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Mission Valley Animal Shelter or to an organization of your choice. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.