Betty Jean Erickson

Betty Denny Erickson, born July 14, 1932 in Omaha, NE passed away peacefully in her home on December 22, 2020. She was married on February 20, 1950 to Clarence “Swede” Erickson in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The couple lived in Lawrence, KS during their lifetime where they raised their children and enjoyed their grandchildren.

Betty owned her own business, Betty’s Bookkeeping, providing accounting services for numerous Lawrence businesses over the past 40 years and inspired a loyal following in hundreds of people by providing income tax services and savvy advice. Betty was a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals for 30 years, a member of the National Society of Accountants and served the citizens of Douglas County as Deputy County Treasurer in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Her quirky charm and wit will be missed by her colleagues and clients alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Swede, brothers, Charles “Mick” Denny, William Denny and a sister, Joyce Holecek. She is survived by sons, Eric Erickson, AD Gaines, daughter, Lea Chaffin, son-in-law, Cris Chaffin; her grandchildren, Ashley Culp, Kellian Kelly, Katelin Gharst, Chelsy Larson, Paul Chaffin and nine great-grandchildren.

Private family burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at her home on March 6, 2021 from 2 – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Warren-McElwain Mortuary as the family will decide on the organization.

14 Condolences

  1. Mary Ann Oswald on December 23, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    Condolences to the Family



  2. Nancy Alvarado on December 23, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady.
    Nancy Alvarado



  3. Betty Scribner on December 24, 2020 at 11:47 am

    I am so saddened to hear of the passing of my long-time friend. She was so special and very knowledgeable in the tax field. So sorry and pray for the family.



  4. Marge Waller on December 24, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    I am so sorry to see that Betty has passed, I have a lot of good memories of her. I use to live down the street from her and we use to get together and vist along with Kathy Gillihan. Had some good times.. I will always remember her..
    May the lord be with all of you.
    Marge Waller



  5. Tammie Torneden-White on December 25, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    I will always remember Betty and her love for grandkids. Everytime she mentioned their names her face would light up. Betty was like the second grandma to the neighborhood kids. Everybody knew Betty. Betty will be greatly missed.



  6. Connie Rockers on December 26, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    Enjoyed visiting with with Betty in our Daughters of Isabella group. Connie Rockers



  7. Donita Bouton on December 27, 2020 at 12:01 am

    To Lea and family-
    I had many fond memories of Betty growing up!
    She was so kind and liked to spoil me also!
    We had fun times going fishing with Betty and Swede to Ferguson Falls Minnesota to go fishing during summer time when I was growing up.
    Our sincere condolences to all.



  8. Susan Sanders on December 30, 2020 at 9:45 am

    We know Betty will be missed dearly by all who loved her..Please except our deepest sympathies



  9. Jim and Gena Leslie on December 30, 2020 at 12:03 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers for your family at this time. Your mother was such a lovely lady.



  10. Sharon (Burns) Holladay on December 30, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Betty and Swede were like second parents to me.
    We had a lot of good times at Dairy King.



  11. Ollie C Wenger on December 30, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    So many great memories of sharing my childhood with this family. Betty had a beautiful smile and was always so kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I know she will be greatly missed.



  12. Bud and Mary Jo Hadl on January 4, 2021 at 8:02 pm

    So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She was so knowledgeable when it came to taxes. She helped with ours for many years. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. May she rest in peace. Bud and Mary Jo Hadl



  13. Kathy and Larry on February 28, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    Prayers to you and your family for peace and comfort.



  14. Doris Bell on March 15, 2021 at 11:02 pm

    The best tax person I came in contact with, ran a business for year’s, was the best for Loyce and I, Thanks Betty,



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