Marva Ann Ericksen died on Oct. 25, 2025 at the age of 91.
She was born on April 20, 1934 in La Grande the second of four daughters born to Oscar Victor Johnson and Helen Saling Johnson.
The family moved to Dukes Valley near Odell in 1935. Mava 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 in 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 her sister Yvonne to his brother Fred on Nov. 27, 1949. Russell and Marva were married in Odell at the Methodist church on Aug. 10, 1952. The couple traveled to Fort Bragg, N.C. to finish U.S. Army obligations. Russell was drafted in 1951 and was discharged in 1953.
The couple made their first home at Blalock, where Russell was in a partnership with his father, Fred Ericksen Sr. and brother, Fred Ericksen Jr. for a period of time. While they were at Blalock, three daughters were born in The Dalles Hospital: Renee 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. 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 cattle operations. 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, where they lived for 11 years. They were active in the Adams Community Church.
Russell passed away on Nov. 13, 2016. Marva continued to reside in the home until 2019 and then moved to Sisters to be closer to daughter Rita.
In November 2023, Marva was accepted to the Walla Walla Veterans Home, where she resided until her passing.
Marva is survived by daughter Renee and her husband Joe, residing in Standfield; daughter Rita and her husband Garry, residing in Sisters; daughter Rhonda and her husband Doug, residing in Lewiston, Idaho; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at the Condon Cemetery on Nov. 8, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Following the service, a gathering will be held locally 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 Veterans Home, 92 Wainwright Drive, Walla Walla, Wash., 99362.
Please leave your condolence messages for the family online with Sweeney Payton Mortuary.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
