Obituary of Mary Lou Erickson

Mary Lou Erickson, 86, of Coffeyville, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Oswego Community Hospital in Oswego, Kansas from injuries received in an auto accident. She was born on July 3, 1929 in Independence, Kansas to Edward and Marjorie (Young) Rader. Mary Lou grew up and attended school in Independence. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. On December 28, 1952 she married Robert M. Erickson in Independence. They made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their 3 daughters. Mary Lou was an elementary music teacher for over 20 years at Cedar Bluff, Garfield, Edgewood, and Whittier Elementary Schools. She also taught piano lessons from her home for 60 years and was an Organist for 60 years at First United Methodist and St. Paul's Episcopal Churches in Coffeyville. Mary Lou continued to be an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was also a member of PEO. She was active with the Coffeyville Community Children's Choir and accompanied area school choirs. Survivors include her daughters, Dana Gary and husband Brent of Spring, Texas and Jennifer Hendrick and husband Jim of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Her sister, Dana Aitken and husband Don of Independence, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Maggie Erickson Skakal of Pittsburg, Kansas, Wendy Kovich and husband Matt of The Woodlands, Texas, Robby Wyman of Pensacola, Florida, Maya Hendrick and Cooper Hendrick of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and 3 great-grandchildren, Fisher Skakal of Pittsburg, Kansas, Camryn Kovich and Cole Kovich of The Woodlands, Texas. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband on September 9, 2009 and her daughter, Roberta Anne Erickson on August 30, 2015. The service will be at 3:00pm Sunday, September 13, 2015 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Coffeyville, Kansas with Reverend Antionette Tackkett officiating. Inurnment will be in The Chapel of Resurrection Columbarium at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Friends may sign the register book on Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to St. Paul's Episcopal Church; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337.