Betty Jean (Kangas) Erickson, age 89 of Whittemore, passed peacefully at her home on February 28, 2024. She was born on September 25, 1934 to George and Jan (Owens) Kangas.
After graduating from Rose City High School in 1952, she married George Erickson, a dairy farmer in Whittemore, and settled easily into the role of a farmer’s wife. Her teen years of childcare, housekeeping and cooking prepared her well, and she was eager to start their own family.
On her 19th birthday she brought the first of five into the world and is survived by these children, Cindy LeVine of Whittemore, Jeanie (Howard) Barriger of Lowell, Tim (Carole) Erickson of Rockford, Barb (Jeff) Janish of Whittemore and Jeff (Sandi) Erickson of Whittemore.
Betty will be remembered by all as a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother and grandmother, and for her strong devotion to family. She actively supported her children and grandchildren in their activities, whether it be in 4-H, athletics, music, or theater. After the children were grown and off on their own, she became more active in the business of the farm, working in the fields and milking the cows. Her role in “retirement,” after the cows were sold, returned to childcare and nurturing, first of her grandchildren, and later great grandchildren.
Betty was the proud grandmother of Casey (Mary-Liz Murray) Preston, Carrie (Derek Oliver) Preston, Rodney (Carrie) Barriger, Jodi Barriger, Scott (Brandi) Barriger, Todd (Elena) Barriger, Kelli (RJ) Boudro, Justin (May) Erickson, Jennifer (Derek) Dyer, Jordan Erickson, Theresa (Justin) Migut, Julie (Lucas) Hanson, Tyler (Sarah) Janish, Ashtyn (Julian) Mlasko, and Brendan Erickson. In addition to these 15 grandchildren, she was the great-grandmother of 30, an accomplishment that brought her great joy.
Betty was a model of courage and strength, having battled three cancers over her lifetime, the first at the young age of 40. She did not dwell in self-pity or focus on her cancer as a burden, but accepted it as a part of her life. She focused on living, not wanting to miss a family event, whether it be a graduation, marriage, or birth.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband George in 2015 and her brothers Bill, Jack and Meryl and sister Bonnie (Paul) Bragg. A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
