Sybil Erickson

Sybil Doris Erickson passed away at the age of 76 at Deaconess Billings Clinic in the early morning hours of Saturday December 13, 2025 from natural causes.

Sybil was born in Poplar, Montana on October 31, 1949 to Florence Mae Weinberger Bighorn and Ernest Clark Bighorn Sr. Sybil was the fourth born out of her siblings: Ernie, Jackie, Crystal, Alda and James Bighorn. Her dad, whom she was very close to and missed all her life, named her after his only sister Sybil Lambert. Being born on Halloween, Sybil was affectionately known as “boo boos” by many of her friends and family.

Sybil attended school in Brockton, Montana and received her GED. She later attended Cook Christian Training School in Tempe, Arizona where she loved being with her Bighorn relatives, especially her special cousins Enright (Cindy) and Narciss (Leah) Bighorn. She also established a lifelong friendship with her sister-in-law Lindy Bighorn whom she was very fond of, as well as Iola Scott who she loved like a sister. Sybil also spent time in Riverside California and Billings, Montana in her younger years as well.

She married Keith Erickson Sr. and to this union she raised three children, Joe, Keith, and Kristen. Together they operated Chief Drive-In, of which she always had many fond memories. Sybil worked at the Smoke Shack and Tribal Express over the years, but ultimately, she dedicated over 30 years of her life working as a paraprofessional, where her patience, kindness, and commitment left a lasting impact on countless students. Her work extended far beyond the classroom, as she played an important role in helping raise many along the way, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. Through her years of service, Sybil formed lifelong friendships, built on compassion, and genuine care for others, relationships that remained meaningful to her throughout her life. We have to add it might depend on which students you talked to who had Mrs. Erickson as a teacher, she had a feisty side to her as well, we will miss that the most mom!

Sybil was a woman whose heart and home were always open. She never turned anyone away and raised numerous children, loving each of them as her own. She always had a spare room or couch for anyone. Known for her selflessness, Sybil would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need, never hesitating to help when someone was hurting. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially hunting for bargains (free was the best) and spending hours at yard sales, delighting in the “treasures” she collected along the way. She loved playing her tablet, watching her game shows, crime shows, and visiting. To her children, she was affectionately known as “Mother Theresa,” a name that reflected her compassion, generosity, and unwavering care for others. She was “mom” to many over the years and she had a way of making everyone feel special and loved.

Greeting her was our dad Keith Erickson Sr, who has been patiently waiting for her for over 25 years. Sybil was also reunited with her son Joseph John Erickson Sr., her dad-Ernest Bighorn Sr, mother-Florence Mae Weinberger Bighorn, her five little brothers, her sister Crystal Bighorn, her baby brother James Allen Bighorn, nieces and nephews Ida Moran, Michael and Andrew Thomas, Chuck Bighorn, Meghan Small, Zachary Bighorn, baby Dave Spang, Weston Small, great grandchildren Jr Ross Fitzpatrick, Tyrel Fraser and Lola Pickett. Her grandparents Maurice and Alda Bighorn, George and Ida Weinberger.

The surviving family members include her children Keith (Sunee) Erickson Jr. and Kristen (Darcy) Merchant. Her grandchildren Wade Kirn, Kristian Rose Erickson-Connor (TJ Sr.), Joseph Jr., Daniel, Cayden, Kessee, Darcy Jr., Jaycee, Keilen, Greyleigh, and Grasyn. Her great grandchildren Clara Jo, Baby TJ, Baby Daniel, and Karter. Her sisters Alda Bighorn, Jackie Small, and her brother Ernie Bighorn. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also, Feryl Greufe whom she also always loved like a sister. She was mom to so many nieces and nephews throughout the years, just too many to list, but you all know who you are and how much she loved you!

Ultimately, Sybil’s greatest joy in life came from her grandchildren, but none more than her baby Joseph Jr. whom she raised from a young age. She fiercely protected and watched over him over the years, up to her last breath. He was her pride and joy.

Other relatives include Bighorn, Weinberger, Youpee, Lambert, Crow Belt, Baker, Turning Bear, Martell, Archambeau and Small families.

A big thanks goes out her sister Alda who was there for her until her last breath. We cannot thank you enough. Also, thanks to Billings Clinic and all the caring medical professionals who helped her till the end. As well as all her friends, students and co-workers she knew over the years and had lifelong friendships with, she loved you all very much.

Mom, we will miss you. You taught us sacrifice and humor; You taught us about hard work and dedication. You taught us to live, laugh and love. You fought hard till the end, but you have moved on to a better place. Until we meet again.

Any family members and friends who were omitted we apologize.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the guestbook below.