Erica A. Miller, 16
Erica A. Miller, 16, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2005 at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell from complications of Retts Syndrome. She was born on June 17, 1988, in Peoria, Ill.
Erica moved to Kalispell in the early 1990s with her mother, Jamie Christensen. She began school at age 2 in Peoria at Rolling Acres Elementary School. She attended special education class at Evergreen School in 1993-94. She then attended the special education class at Edgerton School from 1994-2001. She was in her second year at Flathead High School until her passing.
Erica was an "Angel in disguise here on earth." She taught her family, teachers and friends a huge lesson ... "She carried us all through some huge times here on earth and will forever more."
She traveled extensively as a small child with her mom. They flew many places, rode the train, and drove all over the United States together.
Erica's mother married Jody Christensen in 1995 and together with sisters Sara and Katie the family enjoyed many camping trips and outdoor outings.
Erica loved horse therapy, music and movies, and her dog, Molly, who would sit on her lap and would eat with her and lick her hand - she would giggle at her sisters and her giggle is one thing we will all dearly miss.
Her mother Jamie loved caring for her. It was an honor to have Erica as a daughter. She will be forever deeply missed. "Love you, Erica -- fly on in peace."
Even though she couldn't communicate verbally, her beautiful brown eyes -- sparkling -- told us all her feelings.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bud Nelson and Carol Cabbage; maternal great-grandparents, Walter and Dorothy Nelson; and paternal great-grandfather, Jim Hutchens.
She is survived by her parents, Jamie and Jody Christensen, of Kalispell; her sisters, Sara and Katie Christensen, of Kalispell; grandparents, Frank and Mary Cabbage of Kalispell, and Keith and Sally Christensen of Whitefish; and great-grandparents, Joe and Ruth Derrick of Clarkdale, Ariz., and Myrtle Hutchens of Whitefish; and paternal grandmother, Joy Elgin Mikelson, of Kalispell; her special great-aunt, Barbara Fish, of Clarkdale; her aunt, Robin Grainger, and uncle, Kurt, of Tempe, Ariz.; uncle, Derek Nelson, of Kalispell; uncle, Jamie G. Christensen, of Whitefish; uncle, Rick Christensen, of Kalispell; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Erica will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon until 6 p.m. today at Johnson Mortuary.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Child Development Center, 945 Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Erica's family.