Martha "Marti" Eriks

Martha “Marti” Eriks, age 95, of Crown Point, IN, was welcomed into the arms of God on January 5, 2021. She is survived by her six sons and their wives, Tim (Sue), Ken (Barb), Lon (Libby), Ray (Linda), Mark (Lisa) and Bob (Gwen). She was deeply loved by her 33 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Irene (Clarence), and a brother, Jack (Pat) as well as three sisters-in law, Bonnie (John), Phyllis (Ray) and Joan (Harold) Van Prooyen. Preceding her in death was her first husband of 57 years, John Eriks; and her second husband, Al Minix. Martha was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Leigh DeWolf (Mark) Eriks and her granddaughter Laura (Rich) Grooters.

Martha was born to John and Jennie Van Prooyen on June 14, 1925. She became a wonderful cook and baker growing up and helping on her family farm. She married John Nicholas Eriks on July 16, 1943 and moved to Texas where John was serving in the Air Force. They returned to northwest Indiana where they raised their family of six boys and spent the remainder of their years. Martha had many interests beyond the busyness of caring for six boys. She taught girls’ Sunday School classes at Ross Church, entered bread and pie baking contests, helped run the church kitchen for dinners and funerals, did chalk drawing for area functions, was an accomplished oil painter and draftsperson, a skillful seamstress, and an avid gardener. She was proud to complete her GED with honors. She greatly cherished time spent with family and time spent at church serving others. Above all else, Martha’s love of her Lord and Savior shaped her life, was her abiding passion, and formed the foundation for her life of prayer. The family celebrates with her that her heart’s desire to ‘see Jesus’ is now her eternal reality.

Visitation will be held at the Ross Community Reformed Church, 3900 W. 41st Ave., Gary, IN, 46408 on Saturday, January 9th, 2021, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Masks and social distancing will be required and visitation numbers will be within the state guidelines of no more than 25 people within the building at one time. A funeral service in the sanctuary will follow at 11:00 am for family members only.

The service will be live-streamed. The link to the service may be accessed on Facebook live: https://www.facebook.com/rosscrc/live or on the Hillside Funeral Home website. You do not need to have a Facebook account to access the funeral service. Pastor Shawn Gerbers will officiate. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn in Crown Point, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Ross Community Reformed Church or Gideons International.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800, or by visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com.

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