Former Akron First Lady, 99, dies

Levona Margaret Erickson, 99, once First Lady of Akron when husband Edward Erickson was mayor in 1962, passed away Jan.  24, 2015. She was born Oct. 23, 1915.

She was born in Glady, an unincorporated community in Randolph County, West Virginia, that is 11 miles southeast of Elkins. Glady lost its post office in 2011.

Her obituary:

Born in Glady, West Virginia to Paul Michael Clark and Marie Ella Ratzer, Levona was the eldest of five children: Maxine, Pauline, Robert and Bernice. Her father's family was Irish-American and her mother's Swiss-American.

Levona met her husband, Edward O. Erickson, while training to become a nurse at Akron City Hospital. They married in 1938 and had two children, Tanya Marie and Edward Oscar.

Levona was a dedicated nurse for more than 50 years, primarily at Akron City Hospital, where she became Head Nurse, and later, after "retiring" to private practice until the age of 85. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross.

She is remembered as a beautiful and graceful hostess with a lively sense of humor. A life-long Democrat, she was deeply interested in politics and debated current issues with friends and family even at the age of 99.

She loved Ohio and would break out singing "Beautiful Ohio" when she went for long drives in the countryside, often to visit family in Deerfield. An enthusiastic bridge player, she spent many long evenings playing with family and friends. She was glue that held her family together, and the constant source for solace and council. She also loved caring for animals and especially loved dogs, who were an important part of her family.

Levona is survived by her daughter, Tanya and her son, Edward (Rick); her grandchildren, Christopher Edward Maggos, Tanya Jean Erickson Cram and Edward Reid Erickson; her great-grandchildren, Anna Maggos, Samuel Maggos and Haley Cram; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Funeral service is planned for Saturday, January 31st at 11 a.m. at the Union Avenue United Methodist Church, 1843 South Union Ave., Alliance, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Levona's name to the American Red Cross, 501 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303-1898 or Disabled American Veterans.

To view tribute video, send condolences or sign the guestbook visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com .