DODGE CITY - Shirley Mae Erickson, 71, died March 9, 2011 at the Minneola Hospital, Minneola. She was born on September 13, 1939 at Yuma County, Colorado the daughter of Clester and Clara (Walter) DeWitt.

Shirley married Russell Kent Erickson on August 4, 1960 at Garden City. They have resided in Dodge City since 1965 moving from Garden City.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Kent Erickson of Dodge City; a son, Russell Erickson of Bucklin; a daughter, Ronnell Schmidt of Cimarron; two brothers, David DeWitt of Eckley, Colorado and Keith DeWitt of Benson, Arizona; a sister, Ruth Vanderford of Benkelman, Nebraska; and five grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister.

Graveside service will be held at Valley View Cemetery on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Brad Kirk presiding. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from noon to 6:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to the Minneola Long Term Care Center in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.