Marva Ann Ericksen

April 20, 1934 - October 25, 2025

Marva A. Ericksen was born April 20, 1934, in La Grande, Oregon. She was the second of four daughters born to Oscar Victor Johnson and Helen Saling Johnson. The family moved to Dukes Valley near Odell, Oregon, in 1935. Marva grew up on a small dairy farm with sisters Yvonne, Darlene and Donna. Oscar worked in the woods cutting trees and later at several sawmills in the valley.

Marva walked a mile and a half to Central Vale Grade School. She went to Odell High School and was in the first graduating class from the new Wy'East High School at Odell in 1952. Marva was on the volleyball team all four years of high school.

Marva met her soon to be husband, Russell Ericksen, at the wedding of sister, Yvonne, to his brother, Fred, on November 27, 1949. Russell was drafted in February, 1951, and spent two years in the heavy artillery at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While on a special thirty-day harvest leave, Russell and Marva were married at Odell, Oregon, in the Methodist Church on August 10, 1952. The couple lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina, until he was discharged in February 1953.

The couple made their first home at Blalock, Oregon, where Russell was in a partnership with his father, Fred Ericksen, Sr., and brother Fred Ericksen Jr., for a period of time. While at Blalock, three daughters were born in The Dalles Hospital. Rene'e - 1956, Rita - 1958 and Rhonda - 1960.

In 1960, the Blalock Ranch was purchased by the government to make way for the building of the John Day Dam. In 1962 Russ and Marva purchased a wheat and cattle ranch on Pine Ridge near Condon, Oregon. They lived there for 45 years and were able to add adjoining properties to the original ranch. Marva was involved in all phases of the farming and the cattle operation. She enjoyed hauling the girls to the junior and high school rodeos.

Her hobbies included: sewing, knitting, crocheting, and wheat weaving. She was a member of the National Association of Wheat Weavers. Marva was also an active member of the Condon Baptist Church. She served on the Deaconess Board and was the church treasurer for 18 years.

The ranch was sold in 2005. The couple retired and purchased a home in Adams, Oregon, where they lived for 11 years. They were active in the Adams Community Church.

Russell passed away November 13, 2016. Marva continued to reside in the home until 2019 and then moved to Sisters, Oregon, to be closer to daughter Rita. In November of 2023, Marva was accepted to the Walla Walla Veterans Home where she resided until her passing.

Marva is survived by daughter Rene'e and husband Joe, daughter Rita and husband Garry, daughter Rhonda and husband Doug, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the Condon Cemetery on November 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM.  Following the service, the a gathering will be held at the Condon Baptist Church with refreshments provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marva's name to the Kirman Alzheimer's House at the Walla Walla Veteran's Home (92 Wainwright Dr Walla Walla, WA 99362)

Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Please leave your condolence messages for the family below.