Melinda Lou Erickson

August 26, 1939 – January 12, 2016

Melinda Lou Erickson, age 76, died peacefully at home on Jan. 12, 2016 after a long battle with heart disease. Melinda was born on Aug. 26, 1939 in Walla Walla, Wash., the daughter of Myron and Marion Harmon.

Melinda graduated from Walla Walla High School and attended Central Washington University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

It was at CWU where Melinda met the love of her life, Peter T. Erickson. They met on a blind date in 1959 and were married on Melinda’s birthday in 1961. In 1963, daughter Kimberly was born.

Pete and Melinda made their home in Moses Lake, both working for the Moses Lake School District. Melinda taught kindergarten, first, and second grade for 17 years. Her second career led her to work for Basin Real Estate and Property Management for eight years. She then went on to work at Berry’s Department Store. Melinda enjoyed working with the public. She was outgoing, always remembered your name, and loved helping people pick out gifts and items for their homes. She had a list of “regulars” she would call when new Eddy Walker pieces would arrive at the store. She retired when the store closed.

Melinda loved working in her yard and received many compliments on her landscaping. It was common for people to ask if she cut her grass with manicure scissors since the lawn was always perfect. She was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed watching baseball and Seahawk football; Steve Largent was her favorite player. However, nothing could keep her away from the TV when Gonzaga was playing. Go Zags!

Melinda had two granddaughters that were the love of her life. She attended every activity and event, always ready to cheer from the bleachers.

Melinda was a member of the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church and was an active volunteer for many Rotary events.

Melinda is survived by her husband, Peter, daughter Kimberly (Paul) Garza and granddaughters Hailey and Jalen.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Marion, as well as a brother, Winton.

A service is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Avenue. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melinda’s name to the Moses Lake Rotary Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 525, Moses Lake, WA 98837.