1938 - 2024

Virginia Esther Foy Erickson was born February 15, 1938, the second oldest of eight children. She passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 85 on February 12, 2024.

Virginia was born and lived life in Escondido, California. She attended Central Elementary School from kindergarten through eighth grade, and Escondido Union High School, graduating in 1956. Virginia was led to the Lord as a child by her mother. She was a member of Emmanuel Faith Community Church. She was active in the area of children’s ministries which included teaching Sunday School and leading Church Time for 2- and 3-year-olds, Vacation Bible School, and working in the baby nursery.

Virginia and Chuck were married on July 20, 1957, at Emmanuel Faith Community Church where they met whenChuck’sfamilymovedtoEscondidoin1954.They hadthreechildren:DanielRaymond,MarylouDianeand Andrew Charles, and adopted RebeccaWilhelmina who came to them as a foster child. WhenAndy was six years old, Virginia and Chuck became foster parents caring for 55 children, most of them newborn babies through the adoption agency for almost 20 years.

In1984,Virginiawentbacktoschooltakingacoursein Medical Records and went to work at Redwood Terrace Retirement Center working the Heath Center as Medical Records Designee. Over the 20 years, she enjoyed working in many different areas and retired after 20 years to take care of her supervisor’s baby three days a week.

In September 2006, she and her husband moved to Canton and joined Lakeside Baptist Church in December of that year. Virginia enjoyed working with Awana CubbiesandwasaboardmemberofS.T.A.R.S.(Seniors Taking an Active Role in Service). Both she and Chuck enjoyedattendingthemonthlyFellowshipmeetings,day trips and Branson Jubilee trips. Virginia had a very real heart for Operation Christmas Child not only collecting items for the shoeboxes, always watching for items on sale year-round, and crocheting caps which all the children love no matter the weather where they live, but it is a realopportunitytoreachthesechildrenandtheirfamilies for Christ with the Greatest Journey that is offered with each shoebox. She also crocheted small blankets for babies at the Hope Pregnancy Center in Canton.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chief” Erickson; parents: Elwood and Frances Foy; inlaws: William and Florence Erickson; daughter-in-law, RachelErickson;brother,TomFoy;brothers-in-law:William and JoAnn Erickson, Albert and Dorothy Erickson and Julius Behling.

Virginiaissurvivedbyson,DanielErickson;son,Andy and Letitia Erickson; daughter, Marylou and Bobby Collinsworth; daughter, Rebecca andAdrian McManaway; 10 grandchildren: Karin and Jason Wright, Kimberlie and Phil Nadalski, Brigitta and Lee Walpole, Denise and MontieMontalvo,MattiasErickson,WyattandK’Leigh Erickson, Morgan and Ellie Erickson, Josie Erickson, Cara and Homero Rueda, and David McManaway; 16 great-grandchildren: Myia, Landon, Nathan, Anika, Isabella, Carter, Karsen, Jeremiah, Micah, Caleb, Marlee, Allie, Stetson, Alani, Vallie and Rynleigh; five sisters: Wynona Behling, Judy Holley, Joan Smith, Jeannie Willis andSharonBaillargeon;brother,JimFoy;andnumerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Saturday,February17,2024,atLakesideBaptistChurch in Canton with Bro. Carlton Young officiating.

Aspecial thanks to those who gaveVirginia rides to her many medical appointments and shopping.

In lieu of flowers, donations inVirginia’s memory may be made to Operation Christmas Child in care of Samaritan’s Purse.