Marjorie Ann (Sauder) Erickson

Marjorie Ann (Sauder) Erickson, 96, of Madison, Kansas, passed away at Sunflower Care Home in Emporia on November 29, 2023. She was born on January 31, 1927, in Lamont, Kansas, to L.L. (Doc) Sauder and Beulah Haas Sauder. She was united in marriage to Walter E. (Wally) Erickson on August 6, 1949, and they were married for 55 years. Throughout her life, Marjorie was devoted to her church, her family, her friends, and her community. She is greatly missed.

Marjorie graduated from Lamont High School in 1945 and then attended Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University), where she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Wally enrolled at KSTC and was a houseboy for Marjorie’s sorority, which is how they met. Marjorie graduated in 1949 with degrees in Commerce and Education.

Following their marriage, Marjorie and Wally lived in Bonner Springs before moving to Madison in 1955. Marjorie lived in Madison for over 66 years, where she was a homemaker and substitute teacher. She was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Madison. She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter DY (a Golden Girl), Civic Culture Club, the Christian Women’s Fellowship, the Order of the Eastern Star – White Rose Chapter, and she served as an officer of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Fourth District. Marjorie treasured her many friends and the adventures and good times they shared.

One of Marjorie’s great joys in life was music. She was an accomplished organist, pianist and vocalist. She appreciated all kinds of music, and she especially enjoyed listening to her family and friends play and sing. With Marjorie at the organ and her dear friend Bernita Curry at the piano, the duo played countless church services, weddings and funerals together for many years at First Christian Church. Their friendship spanned over 50 years, and they were as close as sisters.

Marjorie lived life to the fullest. She didn’t do anything halfway, whether that was decorating her home for every holiday, tending to her yard and flower garden, or perfecting a piece of music. She loved to shop, had a keen sense of style for both fashion and decorating, and stayed up-to-date on the latest trends. She was kind and compassionate and never knew a stranger. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Marjorie was an avid Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, but truth be known, she cheered on the Wildcats as long they weren’t playing KU.

Marjorie’s family was at the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s events, and always wanted to be up-to-date on their activities. Her family was her pride and joy, and she was always eager to lend a helping hand – whether it was painting a ceiling, refinishing furniture, sewing a hem, or helping a grandchild polish a piece of music. Marjorie had a soft spot in her heart for all animals and loved cats in particular. Her most recent feline friends (Maddie and Simba) provided her with great comfort and companionship after Wally’s passing.

Marjorie is survived by two children, Dr. Kent Erickson (Kathy) of Clay Center, Kansas; Karen Hosack (Paul), of Bloomington, Illinois; six grandchildren, Mark Erickson (Ivy), Lisa Spurgeon (Seth), Greg Erickson, Kate Erickson, Kristen Hosack Pace (Jason), and Megan Hosack; two great-grandchildren, Samuel Kent Spurgeon and Matthew Paul Pace; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Sauder; and her nieces Diana George, Paula Markussen and Jan Sauder-Lowry.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wally; her grandson, Kurt Erickson; and her brother, William A. (Bill) Sauder.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the First Christian Church in Madison. Burial at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery near Lamont will follow services. Visitation will be Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #488, Madison, Kansas 66860. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.