Neola Mae "Ma" Erickson

Neola (Ma) Mae Young Erickson 80 Passed November 25th at a Topeka Hospital with her son and daughter at her side. Neola was born Dec 29, 1939 to Myrle Loyd Young Sr. and Dorothy Mae (King) in Kansas City Kansas.
Neola was a homemaker most of her life. Neola was a graduate of Harveyville High School class of 1957. She was united in marriage to Kyle Elmer Erickson on December 29, 1956 in Council Grove Kansas. Neola worked briefly at Jostons Yearbook and Bobo’s drive in on Huntoon. After her children her grown she worked at Floyds Daylight doughnuts for several years. She later owned and operated a restaurant in Harveyville, Kansas called Mom’s Place for 5 years while at the same time caring for her Father, Mother, and Father-in-law all in ill health. Most of all Neola enjoyed cooking and being with her family and Bird watching. She enjoyed many trips with her husband when he was trucking and with her son on cross country runs while driving his truck.
Christmas and Thanksgiving were very special for Neola and always fixing big meals and buying gifts for everyone. Once being featured on WIBW in 1993 as the Christmas Tree Lady having 29 large Christmas trees in her home.
Neola was a long standing member of the Wilmington Church of Christ at Wilmington Kansas. She accepted the lord August 28, 1953 and stayed faithful to the end. Neola was a daily bible reader using three different versions to totally understand what she read each morning. When she was unable to attend service due to her illness she watched In Search of the Lord’s Way on Television and sang along with the hymns.
Neola was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Kyle, one son Rock Wayne Erickson, sisters Merlene Simmons (Larry Sr,), Karen Benteman (George), and Brother Merle L Young Jr. (Alice). She is survived by one son Denver L Erickson Topeka, and daughter Melody D Erickson Alta Vista. One daughter in law Julie Erickson Eskridge. One foster son Charles Huske of the home. Eight grandchildren Samantha Melton Eskridge, Myrle Erickson Topeka, Bertram Erickson Seattle Washington, Scott Harrop Topeka, Brandon Erickson (Holli) Jefferson Co. Samantha Nikkel (Zack) Shayla Landis (Manhattan), Shelby Landis (Ryan) Pomona. Five Great Grandchildren.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Neola’s life at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday. December 1, 2020 at the VanArsdale Funeral Home in Eskridge. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to In Search of The Lord’s Way or the COPD Foundation and sent in care of the funeral home at P.O. Box 338, Eskridge, Kansas 66423. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.