Avanelle Springer Erickson
1919-2012
After 93 years of a life well lived, Avanelle Springer Erickson, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother died peacefully at her residence in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 4, 2012.

She was born January 23, 1919 at Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota to Beatrice VanderVeer and Ray Springer. Avanelle attended Timber Lake High School graduating with honors in 1937. She went on to attend Black Hills Business College and was placed
as secretary to the South Dakota Republican Publicity Director.

She married Martin Erickson in Minneapolis on July 27, 1940. Later, they moved back to Timber Lake and purchased the former Frank Drees store. They had two sons, Lynn and Donel.

Avanelle returned to work as Deputy Register of Deeds and Deputy Auditor and later worked at Dewey County Bank where she was a stockholder, director and officer. She was elected as secretary, treasurer and vice president of the Association of Banking Women.

In 1981, Avanelle retired from the bank and relocated to Utah to be near her children and grandchildren by whom she was dearly loved.

Avanelle was a 62-year member and Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church.

Avanelle was an avid all sports enthusiast. She participated in sports her entire life up to age 92. She especially enjoyed golf, baseball and bowling. Among other sports awards, she was the 2001 club champion at the Brigham City Golf and Country Club.
She loved to play cards (bridge), dance, and was an expert seamstress.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Beatrice, her husband, Martin, her sister Mathel Jaeger and three brothers, Homer, Richard and Arbie.

She is survived by two sons, Lynn Erickson (Jacque), Oregon, and Donel Erickson, New Mexico; three grandchildren, Brandon Erickson, Oregon, Jacee Ballard (Nate), Utah, J.D. Erickson (Lana), Arizona; and five great grandchildren: Boston, Briggs, Lief, Tristen and Dakota.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Parish Church in Timber Lake, South Dakota with Pastor Ken Hunt presiding. Friends may call one-half hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Timber Lake Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kesling Funeral home, Mobridge, South Dakota.

Avanelle's family would like to extend their heart-felt gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional caregivers at Silverado Hospice for the excellent care they gave to Avanelle during her final months.