Florence, a longtime Florida resident, was born March 25, 1912, the third child of Erick and Helga (Thomas) Erickson, on the farm west of Sheyenne, North Dakota. The following year the family moved to Devils Lake, to help care for Helga’s father and farm the land.

In 1917, the family moved back to their Sheyenne farm and Florence entered first grade in Bremen. There her mother rented a house for two years so Florence, her sister and brother could attend school. In 1920, they attended the country school at West Antelope riding the horse drawn school bus. The following year they were old enough to drive themselves using either the sleigh or buggy.

She completed eighth grade in 1926 and started high school in Sheyenne, but became ill and was out of school for the rest of that year. When she was well enough she went to Maddock at the Agriculture and Training School, graduating in the Spring of 1931. During the summer she attended Valley City State Teachers College and taught at the West Antelope Grade School 1931-1932. In the fall of 1932 Florence traveled to Chicago, staying with her Aunt Mattie. In Chicago she enrolled in the Marronello Beauty School, and enjoyed being a beautician.

She married Erik Ellis in 1944 and they moved from Chicago to Park Falls, Wisconsin. In Park Falls they owned and operated the Pine Forrest Hunting Lodge. They had a daughter, Erika Karen, in 1945. The following year they took a trip to Mexico, where upon returning they moved to Wallace, Idaho. There they owned and operated Pats Place Restaurant, Bar and Gambling. In June 1947, they had a second daughter, Barbara Kay.

In 1948, Florence became ill and moved to Kissimmee, Florida, to stay with her Aunt Mattie (Helga’s sister). While there she established herself as a beautician. She divorced Erik in 1950, making Florida her new home. She later moved to Orlando, operating her own shop in the downtown area on Pine Street. Then later, working from her own home shop in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Upon retiring Florence would make trips to North Dakota and Minnesota, visiting her brothers and sister. She lived in Barrett, Minnesota, during the summer months returning to her apartment in Orlando in the winter.

In 1980, Florence and her good friend, Carol Peterson, traveled to Europe and visited the town and family of her parents in Mora, Sweden.

Florence was an inspiring woman and known for her tenacity, humor and most of all patience. A very caring person she stayed involved with her church, St Mark’s Lutheran until they closed their doors, and always giving her time and hands to those in need. Her biggest joy other than family was working with ASAP at her apartment in Orlando. She pursued these interests well into her 90’s, with reading anything by Louis L’amour as long as her eyes would allow her.

Florence is survived by her two children Barbara and Karen, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

 

Graveside Funeral Service: Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Augustana Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sheyenne, North Dakota