Mary Ann (Ruest) Erikson went home to be with the Lord August 18, 2026, at Jackson Creek Memory Care in Independence, Missouri. She was born in a log cabin in Freeport, Maine on November 13,1938 to the late Albert and Alice Ruest. After several years living in Freeport then Connecticut, her family settled in Pownal, Maine. She was the eldest of 7 children, having 5 sisters and one brother. While attending a one room schoolhouse as a child, she first met Stanley Evert Erikson. They became reacquainted in high school where they began dating and went to the prom together in Stanley's 1940's Willy's Jeep.
She played basketball in high school and excelled in shorthand and typing. After graduating from Freeport High School, she worked at a sardine packing factory, and then worked as a secretary at L.L. Bean. She enjoyed being on a candlepin bowling league. Ann married Stanley Erikson on October 25, 1957, becoming fondly remembered as Stan and Ann. They lived in a home in Freeport that he built.
She became a stay-at-home mom. When their first son Steven was born, later followed by a daughter Lori and son Eric. When the children were nearing secondary school, Ann trained as an EMT and worked part time for the ambulance service in Freeport. Early in her married life, Ann and Stan attended a missionary service of the RLDS church meeting in a small, rented hall in Freeport. She was baptized and they became active members. They were instrumental in the construction of the church's permanent building and helping with youth activities, retreats and reunions. She led the women's ministry. In the fall of 1979, they moved and made their home in Independence, Missouri.
Ann found great joy in her church family and helped out in a variety of areas. She and a dear friend began a ministry to widows, enjoying the opportunity to encourage others while she too was encouraged through her service. She visited and did special activites for a women's shelter. Ann and Stan were members of the Farview Restoration Branch and then settled at South Crysler Restoration Branch. Ann (becoming also known as Mary Ann) began driving a school bus for the Independence School District for nearly 20 years meanwhile working part time as a bookkeeper for Bellevista Condominiums.
Throughout the years she was able to travel to many fun places with Stanley and often family and friends. A few highlights were, Alaska, Hawaii, Newfoundland, France and a nearby favorite, Branson, Missouri. Ann enjoyed many hobbies - Knitting, crocheting, folk painting, floral arranging, and reading.
She loved decorating for every holiday, especially Christmas. She often had her grandchildren help decorate, set up her Christmas village, and bake her traditional Christmas cinnamon rolls. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Stanley and sister Loraine. She is survived by her children (all of Independence Missouri): Steven Erikson (Theresa), Lori Myrick (Timothy), Eric Erikson (Krista). She was a loved and cherished grandmother to 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Emma, brother Leslie (Nancy), and sisters Judy, Linda & Elaine along with many other family and friends who have fond memories and will miss her.
During her final 10 1/2 months she resided at Jackson Creek Memory Care in Independence, where she brought smiles to her caregivers and fellow residents by telling them she loved them, and they were beautiful, holding hands and sharing hugs.
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love, care, compassion and kindness that were the essence of her life. Services to honor the life of Mary Ann Erikson will be held Tuesday August 25, 2026. Visitation at 6:00pm, Service following at 7:00pm at South Chrysler Restoration Branch, 16101 Salisbury Road, Independence, MO 64050.
