Betty Jean (Runyan) Erickson
MANISTIQUE — Betty Jean (Runyan) Erickson passed away on May 4, 2024, at UP Health Systems. Betty was born July 22, 1932, to Edward and Caroline (Burnis) Runyan. She attended and graduated from St. Francis de Sales School. In 1951 she graduated with honors from Manistique High School. She enjoyed her four years as a majorette.
On May 3, 1952, she married William R. Erickson at St. Francis de Sales Church. They lived, worked, and raised their three children in Manistique except for the time living in Mountain View, Alaska. She had fun panning for gold.
Betty was a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish and for many years St. Bernadette Circle. She was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, a charter member of the Moose Lodge, and a member of the Senior Center where she enjoyed lunches, bingo, special events and visiting with her many friends, where she was known as the “cookie lady”. For many years, Betty was on a bowling league. She was an avid reader, enjoyed bingo, going to different casinos, and traveling. She especially enjoyed the wintertime spent in Las Vegas.
She is survived by her children, Dan (Mary) Erickson and Darcy (Ken) Kwapis; her grandchildren, Doug Erickson (Ronnie), Don (Edie) Erickson, Holly, Kyle (Cherokee) Erickson and Matt Kwapis, and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William; parents, Stephen and Caroline Dragos; son, Douglas Erickson; sister, Inez Kralik; brother, Don Dragos, and in-laws Hugo and Elizabeth Erickson.
Memorial donations in Betty’s honor may be made to the St. Francis de Sales School or Manistique Senior Center.
Visitation for Betty will be held on Thursday, May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique. A funeral mass will be offered for Betty beginning at 11 a.m. with Father Ben Paris presiding. Inurnment at Thompson Township Cemetery will be announced at a later date.
Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.