Elba Jean Erickson was born in Clarendon, Texas, on December 3, 1933, to Elba Shelton Ballew and Edith Eddins Ballew of Clarendon.
Her father, Elba Ballew, was a respected farmer and nationally known breeder of Hampshire pigs. Her mother Edith was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon.
Elba Jean graduated from Clarendon High School in 1950 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1953. She taught elementary school for 2 years working with special needs children in Corpus Christi, Texas.
On September 15, 1956, she married 1Lt Duane Erickson, USAF. Over 28 years and through multiple command assignments supporting the Air Force mission, she raised two sons and was lauded many times for her tireless efforts in improving the lives of Air Force family members. In a second career she worked in the hotel industry in Alexandria, Virginia and was a lobbyist for military spousal rights on Capitol Hill. Elba Jean was an avid horsewomen and singer.
She passed away of natural causes in Newport News, Virginia on October 6, 2013, at the age of 79 years.
She is survived by her eldest son, Craig Erickson and wife Terri, of Tipton, OK with their children Allen and Alex, and she is also survived by her youngest son, Col Steven Erickson and wife Kelly, of Smithfield, VA and their children Jack and Sophia; her nephew, Mike Ballew; and 2 nieces, Peggy Moore and Sandra Werthmann.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Carolyn Ballew; her granddaughter, Leah Koontz; and her nephew, Mark Ballew.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in the Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Lloyd Stice, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon, officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon immediately following the graveside service.
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