Ericka Lemburg

Ericka Leanne (Valenzuela) Lemburg, 54, of Sutter, CA, passed peacefully at home on August 23, 2025, into the loving care of her Heavenly Father.

Ericka fought courageously against cancer with a smile and a hug for everyone she met until her last breath. Beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, and "meemaw," she will be forever remembered by her joyful heart and helpful spirit.

She was born in Germany's 5th US army base on September 12, 1970, to the late Kenneth Valenzuela and Amelia Pesante. Ericka grew up with her sister, Krista, known fondly together as #1 and #2, in Bakersfield, CA.

She graduated from West High School in 1988, and worked as a secretary for 10 years at California Industrial Rubber Co. Bakersfield location before beginning her career with the administrative staff of the local school districts West High School and Ridgeview High School.

Ericka expressed often that she loved her job, the staff, and the students. She was married to Carl Lemburg in 2001, and they lived in Bakersfield until 2010 relocating to Sutter, CA where Ericka continued working at local schools Albert Powell High School and Tierra Buena Elementary School in Yuba City, CA.

Ericka delighted in her children and grandchildren and cherished the many friendships and connections that encompassed all aspects of her life.

She enjoyed celebrating friends and family on their birthdays, and she ensured that everyone was always offered dessert.

She loved family vacations, Disney trips with her grands, and Christmastime. She was a woman of gratitude who saw and appreciated all that God gave her in life, and a natural peacemaker.

She eagerly spread joy, making fast friends every place she went. Always enjoyed church service and her bible group time where her love of lord was constantly displayed and lived.

She quickly became a favorite of her medical team and caregivers with her infectious smile and endless optimism.

Ericka is survived by her husband, of nearly 24 years, Carl; six children, Brandi Ragsdale (Matt) of the Netherlands, Brigitte Barker (Joshua) of Antioch, IL, Jeremy (Riley), Jacob Valenzuela, and Abigail Seigel (Riley) of Bakersfield, CA, Madelyn of Stillwater, OK; four grandchildren, Gavin, Nevaeh, Declan and Sierra; mother, Amelia; sister, Krista; aunts; uncles; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death and awaited in Heaven by her father, Ken.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Sutter Medical Group Sacramento, CA, particularly Dr. Nagi, Dr. Likhacheva, and Molly F. July L. AC. Also, Yuba City Hospice, Gurpreet, Lovepreet, Kim R., Kim C., Annaka, Q., Scott, Yesika, Janey, and Veronica.

In lieu of flowers, Erica's family have requested donations to Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation. They are planning a spring trip to Cayucos, CA where Carl and Ericka spent their time over the past few months enjoying Ericka's favorite place the ocean to spread her ashes with family and friends.