Gussie Gene Erickson, 78, Sturgis, returned home to Heaven on Saturday, June 1, 2019. She passed peacefully with her family by her side at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, SD.
Gussie was born September 25, 1940, in Deadwood, SD, to her mother, Mildred, and father, Stephen Lee Wright. As a child, her father was in the military and at the age of 7 her mother became ill. This resulted in her spending much of her time taking care of her mother, as well as forming a passion for cooking. This also inspired her to become a nurse's aide. Gussie spent her high school years working at the Dorsett nursing home in Spearfish, SD. After graduating from Spearfish High School in 1958, she went on to marry Wallace Solaas on the 3rd of April 1960, also in Spearfish. Over the course of their marriage, they became Wyoming residents and had four children. Gussie became a widow in 1984. She then carried on her career as a CNA in a Sturgis nursing home. During this time, she met her second husband, Roger Lee "Mick" Erickson. On August 24, 1987, Gussie and Mick were joined in Holy Matrimony in Rifle, CO. They both became employed at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center during the 90's and retired at the turn-of-the-century. They spent every moment together until Mick passed away in January of 2009. She has since been taken care of by (son) Daniel Solaas, (daughter) Diane Solaas, and (granddaughter) Amber Lee Solaas. Gussie enjoyed watching mysteries, game shows, and Hallmark movies. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, cross-stitching, and playing games on her tablet. We are also confident that she now has all the coffee you can dream of!
Gussie was the wonderful mother of Daniel, Tracy, Diane, and David. She is also the loving grandmother to Amber Lee, who has spent most of her 19 years helping her mother (Diane) and uncle (Daniel) take care of her grandma when she was sick. Alongside Amber, Gussie has two other grandchildren, Cassie and Stephen (Daniel). She is the sister-in-law to Teresa (Gaylon) Britton, Robert "Bear" Solaas, Charlie Solaas, Floyd Solaas, and their spouses. She also had numerous step-sisters, step-brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Gussie Gene was preceded in death by four wonderful men; her father, Stephen Lee Wright, brother, John Wright, and husbands, Wallace Solaas and Roger "Mick" Erickson. She was also preceded by her mother, Mildred (Osborne) Wright and step-mothers, Vera (Whetzel) Wright and Eleanor (Kopp) Wright.
We will miss your soul, your smile, your beautiful face, your knowledge, your wisdom, and your love! We all love you and will see you when the time comes! Rest peacefully, momma!