Kristie Faye Erickson

Kristie Faye Erickson, 73 of Pekin passed away at 3:30 pm, Monday, June 10, 2024 at Carle Health Pekin Hospital. She was born to Carroll (Dude) and Lois (Krueger) DeFrates in Pekin on February 16, 1951. Her parents preceded her in death Kristie married her husband Jeff Erickson at St. Pauls United Church of Christ in Pekin on June 17, 1972. This month marked 52 years of marriage. He survives. She is also survived by; one son, Adam (Sarah Hagovsky) Erickson of Columbus, OH; two daughters, Sarah (John Meyers) Erickson of Peoria and Theresa (Mike) Holly of Pekin; three grandchildren, Lucas, Rylan, and Bennett Holly; and two brothers, John (Julie) DeFrates of Rocky Mount, MO and Kirk (Joan) DeFrates of Rockwall, TX. She was a member of St. Pauls United Church of Christ. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb, and her Masters in Teaching and Leadership from St Xavier University in Chicago. Kristie loved her work as an elementary teacher, and treasured the children she taught. She truly believed that her students could and would do amazing things. Over the years, she taught at Willow, Washington, and Dirksen Schools in Pekin. Kristie was generous and positive to a fault. She was beyond tolerant and patient with all she encountered. She gladly welcomed anyone into her home. Their home was the place the kids hung out, and so many family celebrations were made sweeter by her devotion to preparing food that her family loved. She was an amazing cook, over the top birthday designer and decorator. She enjoyed sewing, and made her childrens Halloween costumes from scratch. Kristies heart was for her family, and loved time spent with Jeff, the kids, and the grandchildren. She would drop anything to spend time with her family. She loved to watch her children and grandchildren do what they loved from sports to music or simply just being with them and holding their hand while watching television. She even found ways to spoil each furry family member as well. She loved to read, learn, meet new people, learn about different cultures, and participate in Al-Anon groups. She helped pass that curiosity on to her family. She always had a new book that she wanted to talk about or recommend and would read her favorites multiple times. She taught others by her living example and created a life that prioritized love and peace. She will be very much missed by all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Heather Robertson officiating. A visitation will be held immediately prior from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, also at the funeral home. Cremation has been accorded. Memorials may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital. Memorial Service Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Wednesday, June 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554