It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Grace Adel Erickson, of Ankeny, on May 17, 2023. She was 97 years old.

Grace is survived by her children, Joan (Jerry) McQuiston of Des Moines; Elaine Erickson of Lutsen, MN; Beverly Carstensen of Ames; Jill (Bruce) Rasmussen of Omaha NE; Bruce (Kathleen) Erickson of Clarks Hill, IN; Julee Erickson of Ankeny; 13 grandchildren: 13 great grandchildren; sister, Marian Samuels of Hayward, CA; and other family and friends. Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her parents, Fay and Hannah Pirie; her siblings, Marjorie Pirie, Lola Buescher, Byron Pirie, and Eleanor Pirie; and her son-in-law, Jay Carstensen.

Grace was born on August 27, 1925, on a farm near Mallard, IA. She graduated from Plover High School where she played the bass violin and was on the basketball team. Grace graduated from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, then worked for the United States Navy Public Information Office until her marriage to Harry in 1945. The young couple farmed north of Polk City for a few years, eventually settling on a farm north of Maxwell where they raised six children. Grace and Harry enjoyed 46 years together, creating a happy family. In her later years Grace lived in Ames and later in Ankeny.

Grace was a devoted wife and mother, teaching her family kindness and serving others. She was an active member of Maxwell United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Alpha Delphian Club, and Iowa Center Club. Grace had many wonderful friends and relatives, and she thoroughly enjoyed visiting. It was not unusual for people to comment on her kind and gentle disposition.

Grace loved her huge garden. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially of bread and pies. Grace taught her family to sew, bake and cook. She was a hard worker, kept an orderly home, assisted with farm work, worked for a time at Donnelley's in Nevada, and worked alongside Harry in their Hy-Line chicken business.

Although the family mourns Grace's passing, we thank and praise God for her well-lived life. We thank all those who have loved and cared for Grace and our family, including the Mill Pond community in Ankeny. You truly are gifts! We rest in the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we will meet again in eternity.

Memorials may be made to the Maxwell United Methodist Church or the Maxwell Area Community Center, both in Maxwell, Iowa.

A visitation will be held 9:30-11:00 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2023 at Maxwell United Methodist Church (501 2nd Street) in Maxwell. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Woodland Cemetery in Iowa Center, Iowa. A luncheon will be held at the Maxwell Community Center (84 Main Street) in Maxwell after burial.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Maxwell is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com