Doris J. Erickson

She is preceded in death by two brothers, Hubert Hatcher and Richard Hatcher. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Al, two sons, Richard (Mary Anne), Robert (Ann), and daughter Sue Lilly (Rod), four grandchildren, Christopher, Courtney, Shauna and Stefanie, and two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Greyson.

She met her husband at Iowa State University and together they raised their family, first in Des Moines, Iowa and then Kansas City, Missouri. After the family hosted an exchange student from Sweden in 1965 she found her calling and went on to volunteer for People to People International where she was honored for her many years of work. That led to an association with an international officer training program. Each year for 20 years she and Al sponsored a military officer and their family from allied countries all over the world who were attending the he U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in nearby Fort Leavenworth. They had the good fortune to visit many of them in their home countries and developed many lifelong friendships. She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed entertaining and the company of many who loved her. She also enjoyed golfing (she once had a hole-in-one), swimming and painting. An avid reader she always found a library and loved a good book, but her lifelong passion was people. They moved to Mesa, Arizona where she has lived for the past 24 years. While living in Leisure World she sang in the chorus, performing in many concerts and participating in many of the social activities. She was always active in church wherever she lived and sang for many years in the choir. She will be missed by the myriad of people she welcomed into her home with a warm smile and hospitality.

The family is hosting a memorial service and celebration of her life at Legacy Retirement Residence, 5625 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa, Monday February 24 at 10:00am. Her ashes will be laid to rest in the Mariposa Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, who provided enormous comfort to Doris and her family. We love and miss you.

Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or online at hov.org