Evelyn M. Erickson, 85, of Decatur passed away 9:50 a.m. Sunday (July 1, 2001) in Proctor Hospital, Peoria.

Memorial services will be 5:30 p.m. Monday in Woodland Presbyterian Church. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service. Interment will be alongside her beloved husband, John, in Arlington National Cemetery. Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Red Cross, Salvation Army or Woodland Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Erickson was born Feb. 20, 1916, in Clairton, Pa., the daughter of Frank and Hannah Smith Gawlas. She was a retired registered nurse. She was a graduate of St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburg, Pa. She was a member of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Christian Women's Club, St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary and St. Francis Hospital Alumni Association. She taught student nursing at Park View Hospital in Manhatten, Kan., and formerly worked at the University Hospital Dispensary. She was a devoted mother who also volunteered her nursing skills at the Red Cross Bloodmobile, was active with her husband, John, in community Kiwanis activities, and taught Sunday school for more than 25 years. She married Dr. John E. Erickson in 1939. He preceded her in death Oct. 19, 2000.

Surviving are her daughters, Judith Erickson of White Bear Lake, Minn.; Susan Reaser and husband Joel of Reston, Va.; Patricia Atkins and husband Patrick of Peoria; sisters, Roberta Mulvihill of Finleyville, Pa.; Marjorie Bitzer of Pittsburg; Gail McCormley of Clairton; Renelda Strasenn of La Cresenta, Calif.; Patricia Potts of Finleyville; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three brothers.

She will be lovingly remembered for her great faith and devotion to God, family and friends. Her loving spirit will continue to survive through the lives of those whom she touched.