Ida Bernice Erickson July 9, 1915 - December 25, 2012

Bernice Erickson, 97, passed away peacefully at Prestige Care and Rehabilitation Center in Anchorage, Alaska, December 25, 2012.

Bernice was born to Andrew and Inger Gorden in Moose Township, Roseau County, Minnesota, July 9, 1915, the youngest of 10 children. In 1937, she married Arvil Erickson and they farmed until 1951 when they moved to Sisters with their children, Diane and Blaine. She resided in Sisters until June 2005 when she moved to Anchorage, Alaska to be closer to her children.

Bernice was a dear, sweet lady with a beautiful smile whose family was the most important thing in her life. She also treasured her friends and was always willing to help them. She was a professional waitress for more than 25 years, retiring from The Gallery Restaurant in Sisters in the early '80s. She had a great sense of humor and could deliver a joke with the best of them. Her favorite thing to do was to bake cookies and she always loved her coffee and cookies. She liked to work on crafts, knitting and crocheting many beautiful Afghans.

Bernice was a charter member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sisters and attended up until the time she moved to Anchorage.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Arvil Erickson, parents, and nine siblings.

Bernice is survived by her son Blaine; daughter Diane (and husband Lee) of Anchorage, Alaska; grandsons Brian (and wife Lisa Pederson) of Turlock, California, and Kevin Pederson of Fairbanks, Alaska. She is also survived by great-granddaughter, Kirsten Pederson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Oregon.