Helen Patch Erekson Obituary (1922 - 2016)

Helen Elizabeth Patch Erekson of Murray, Utah passed away on August 15, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born on September 23, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Renford Matthew Patch and Irma Martone McKeever Patch. She married John Arion Erekson on December 27, 1941 and they moved to Murray, Utah where they raised eight children. Helen dedicated her life to her family and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Helen, a committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served in numerous callings throughout her life including stake and ward Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies. She was an engaging Relief Society teacher and played piano and organ in several organizations. Helen and Arion served as missionaries in the Raleigh-North Carolina Mission and as ordinance workers at the Jordan River Temple for 13 years. Helen and Arion traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world on various Farm Bureau and farm information exchange programs. Helen was good at everything she did and willingly shared her talents and the fruits of her labors with her friends and family. Her family lovingly called her the "Queen of Everything." A fabulous seamstress, Helen sewed many of the beautiful clothes her children wore throughout the years. She was a wonderful and resourceful cook, who was able to stretch a meal for any guests who arrived. Everyone loved her cakes and she made innumerable birthday cakes over the years. She made raspberry jam from her garden and passed it out generously to friends and family. Helen has anxiously awaited her reunion with Arion since his passing in 2003. Each of her children stayed with her one day a week for years after his passing returning her legacy of unconditional love and devotion. Helen will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Jay Erekson, Arilyn and LeRoy Jensen, Mark and Raani Erekson, Lynne and Jim VanTreese, Reid and Oriana Erekson, Erica Erekson, Wendy Erekson, Susan and Bill Cronkrite, 25 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Gene, Art and Grant Patch. Preceded in death by her loving husband Arion, her parents, her brother, Robert Patch and four grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the Chevy Chase Ward, 5235 S. Wesley Road, Murray, UT at 12:00 noon. A viewing will be at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State St., Murray, UT, on Wednesday the 17th from 6-8 p.m. and at the church prior to the service from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Interment, Murray City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT