Ruth Weller Erickson's Obituary
Ruth Weller Erickson, age 91, went home to her Lord and Savior on December 17, 2014 at the E. T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville. Ruth was born in Pineville, Kentucky on January 1, 1923 to Leslie Neal Weller and Irene Parham Weller. Ruth was an only child who was fortunate to be part of a large and close-knit extended family that cared for her after her mother died when Ruth was 9 years old. With the support from her family, she excelled in school and graduated at the top of her class from Pineville High School, with 12 years of perfect attendance. She attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky.
Ruth was married to Everett L. “Eric” Erickson for 60 years, moving with him from Kentucky to Jamestown, New York and then to Ft. Pierce, Florida in 1957. She and Eric were partners in their independent insurance agency in Ft. Pierce for 30 years. After retiring, they moved to Gainesville in 1989 to be close to local family. Ruth was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Fishermen Sunday School class, and loved the fun and fellowship she shared with her friends known as the "Subway Saints."After being widowed in 2011, she enjoyed her life at The Village.
Ruth was a model of quiet grace, selflessness, and genuine caring. She possessed a true servant's heart. She is survived by three children: Andrea Bloomer (Ray) of Bristol, Tennessee, Neal Erickson (Kathy) of Altamonte Springs, FL, and Lynn Monaco (Toby) of Gainesville. She was adored by seven grandchildren: Becki Akers (Jeff), Robin York (Cody), Drew Erickson (Nicole), Blair Erickson, Brandt Erickson (Lindsay), Eric Monaco, and Amanda Monaco. Ruth also had six great-grandchildren who were a great delight to her.
The family wishes to express its thanks for the wonderful care given to Ruth by Joel Rich, M.D. and the Haven Hospice team.
A memorial service for Ruth will be held in Trinity UMC’s Chapel on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions in honor of Ruth Erickson may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32653 or to Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606.
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