Otie Erickson

Otie Genevieve Cole, daughter of Ralph B. and Mae (Cramer) Cole, was born September 5, 1923 in Washington, Kansas. She passed from this life Sunday, August 23, 2015 while a resident of Republic County Hospital Long Term Care at the age of 91 years. Otie graduated from Washington High School, then Kansas State University in 1945 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She taught Home Economics at Randolph High School, Reed Custer Township High School, Braidwood, IL, Courtland High School, and Notre Dame Catholic High School, Concordia, Kansas. She retired after 17 years of teaching to be at home with her children and to help Norman on the farm. When the children were in school, she returned to the work force. She worked 17 years at Scott Specialties in Belleville retiring in 1993. Otie was united in marriage to Norman F. Erickson on July 31, 1955. In 1963 they adopted two children, brother & sister, Ronald Frank and Elizabeth Ann. Never one to be idle, Otie helped with story hour at the Courtland Library and served on the board. She was a member of the Kansas Teachers Association, Retired Teachers of Republic County, Republic County Council on Aging, Republic County Extension Homemakers Unit, Swinging Swedes Square Dancing Club, Courtland Crusaders, Knit Wits Club, 4-H leader, Craft Camp Steering committee, and taught summer crafts in Salina for many years. She was a 50 year member of O.E.S. Chapters 175 and 115 of Washington and Belleville. She held dual membership until the Washington Chapter closed. She was an active member of the Courtland Methodist Church and the UMW and served as President for several years. Otie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 55 years Norman in 2009; brothers Ralph Jr. and James; and sisters-in-law Billie M. Cole and Doris Cole. She will be forever remembered her son Ronald Erickson and wife Jane, Courtland, Kansas and daughter Elizabeth Ann Erickson, Concordia, Kansas; grandchildren Josh Erickson, Amanda Mayfield, Shawn Walbridge and Aimie Walbridge; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 28, 2015 at the United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Aeill0 officiating. Otie requested cremation services and a family inurnment service will be at a later date. Memorials are requested to the Methodist Church Wednesday School or Youthville Foster Care. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas assisted the Erickson family with these arrangements.