Ruth Ann Erickson

Ruth Ann Veronica Erickson, 81 of West Terre Haute, Indiana left us peacefully on 6/5/24 with her family at her side. Ruth was a self-assured, creative free spirit who loved reading, learning, cultivating human connections and fostering a deep relationship with nature.

Born in Sand Lake Township, Wisconsin to Della (Kadlec) Brauer and Erwin Brauer, Ruth left home early in life to work as an au pair during her high school years in Hayward, Wisconsin before moving to the "big city" of Superior, Wisconsin. There, she would enroll at the University of Wisconsin at Superior and meet the love of her life and soon-to-be husband of 61 years, artist/educator David Erickson. Shortly after marrying David, their daughter Dea was born, followed by a move to Terre Haute, Indiana, where their son Rijon was born, and where they would spend the remainder of Ruth's life.

During her years in Terre Haute with David, Dea and Rijon, Ruth utilized her accounting training and formidable organizational skills in a number of clerical jobs, though her true self shone most brightly outside the workplace.

Ruth was not only a dedicated homemaker, she made regular trips to Wisconsin and elsewhere with the family to keep connections alive and well, especially attending the annual Cranberry Festival in Stone Lake, Wisconsin with her sisters.

Ruth was also active in the community, demonstrating the oratorical skills she honed while obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications at Indiana State University, performing onstage at Community Theater of Terre Haute, giving numerous poetry readings - including those featuring the work of her favorite poet, Howard Nemeroff-and serving as a lector at St. Benedict Church. She also had a passion for nature which showed through her activities as an amateur botanist, rock hound and collector of four-leaf clovers. In her later years, she would also become active with OLLI - the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Ruth's children would also marry through the years. Dea to Scott Maroz, and Rijon to Debbie Broad. Debbie and Rijon also gave Ruth the joy of being an adored Grammy to their child, Bay Erickson.

Ruth is survived by her sisters Margaret, Helen, Joan and Lori, and many other treasured relatives, and was preceded in death by her two elder brothers Paul and Bill and younger sister Evelyn.

Ruth Erickson, wood and water nymph of the Northwoods and indomitable free spirit of the Wabash Valley, was an inspiration to her family, friends and community and will be sorely missed.

"They lived and laughed and loved and left." - James Joyce, "Finnegan's Wake"

A celebration of life-a "Ruth-iversary"-will be held in early September at Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute, Indiana. For more information or to be added to the guest list, contact Rijon Erickson or Dea Maroz on Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations should be made to Community Theater of Terre Haute.