Marva Ann Ericksen

Marva Ann Ericksen
April 20, 1934 – October 25, 2025
Marva A. Ericksen was born April 20, 1934, in La Grande, Oregon. She was the second of four daughters born to Oscar Victor Johnson and Helen Saling Johnson. The family moved to Dukes Valley near Odell, Oregon in 1935. Mava grew up on a small dairy farm with sisters Yvonne, Darlene and Donna. Oscar worked in the woods cutting trees and later at several sawmills in the valley.
Marva walked a mile and a half to Central Vale Grade School. She went to Odell High School and was in the first graduating class from the new Wy'East High School at Odell in 1952. Marva was on the volleyball team all four years of high school.
Marva met her soon-to-be husband, Russell Ericksen, at the wedding of her sister Yvonne to his brother Fred on November 27, 1949. Russell and Marva were married in Odell, Oregon at the Methodist church on August 10, 1952. The couple traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to finish U.S. Army obligations. Russell was drafted in 1951 and was discharged in 1953.
The couple made their first home at Blalock, Oregon, where Russell was in a partnership with his father Fred Ericksen, Sr. and brother Fred Ericksen, JR. for a period of time. While at Blalock, three daughters were born in The Dalles Hospital. Renee- 1956, Rita- 1958, and Rhonda- 1960.
In 1960, the Blalock Ranch was purchased by the government to make way for the building of the John Day Dam. In 1962 Russ and Marva purchased a wheat and cattle ranch on Pine Ridge near Condon, Oregon. They lived there for 45 years and were able to add adjoining properties to the original ranch. Marva was involved in all phases of the farming and cattle operations. She enjoyed hauling the girls to the junior and high school rodeos.
Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, and wheat weaving. She was a member of the National Association of Wheat Weavers. Marva was also an active member of the Condon Baptist Church. She served on the Deaconess Board and was the church treasurer for 18 years.
The ranch was sold in 2005. The couple retired and purchased a home in Adams, Oregon, where they lived for 11 years. They were active in the Adams Community Church.
Russell passed away November 13, 2016. Marva continued to reside in the home until 2019 and then moved to Sisters, Oregon to be closer to daughter Rita.
Marva is survived by daughter Renee and her husband Joe residing in Standfield, Oregon; daughter Rita and her husband Garry, residing in Sisters, Oregon; daughter Rhonda and her husband Doug, residing in Lewiston, Idaho, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
In November of 2023, Marva was accepted to the Walla Walla Veterans Home where she resided until her passing.
A graveside service will be held at the Condon Cemetery on November 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Following the service, the a gathering will be held locally with refreshments provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marva's name to the Kirman Alzheimer's House at the Walla Walla Veteran's Home (92 Wainwright Dr Walla Walla, WA 99362)
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please leave your condolence messages for the family below.
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