ASHTON — Susan Elaine (Erickson) Foster went to be with her Lord & Savior on Nov. 7. 

She was born July 24, 1945 to Ralph and Lois (Kendell) Erickson of Ashton and spent her childhood years helping with the milk business, participating in band and chorus and becoming an accomplished seamstress and pianist. She was Homecoming Queen and graduated Ashton High School in 1963.  Susan married the love of her life, David Foster on June 30, 1963 at Reynolds Church where they attended while raising their three children and enjoying being a part of the homebuilders group.

Susan loved the Lord with all of her heart and it showed in everything she did from being a farmer's wife to mother and grandmother. She kept busy with making field lunches, running for parts, raising children, playing piano and organ and other faithful service at church and rarely missed a game, concert or other activity that her children and grandchildren participated in. She was known for her biblical wisdom, musical talent and being a true prayer warrior. Susan put her spiritual gift of encouragement to work almost every day writing notes of encouragement and scripture to anyone and everyone she knew that needed it from family, friends and even strangers. In recent years, Susan joined and embraced Ashton Bible Church as her church family.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of over 55 years, her in-laws Thomas L. & Ethel (Merriman) Foster, brothers-in-law Thomas Foster and Donald Foster and grandson, Ryker Gillette.

Survivors include children Cindy (Jim) Knight of Ashton, Melissa (Dan) Gillette of Machesney Park and Matt (Melissa) Foster of West Brooklyn; grandchildren Megan (Josh) Egyed, Walker Knight, Kerri (Brett) Helwig, Kalley Foster, Kaleb (Lexus) Foster, Suzanna and Janae Gillette; siblings Larry (Kathy) Erickson, Penny (Richard) Linville, Jack (Dori) Erickson, Jill Nordman; brother-in-Law Bill (Kathy) Foster and sisters-in-Law Shirley Foster, Ginger Foster, Barbara (Dennis) Wager and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, which will be designated at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 4-8 p.m. at Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home, 601 Richardson Ave. Ashton, IL 61006. Funeral service will be held Friday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. with an hour visitation prior to service at the funeral home. Graveside service will follow at Ashton Cemetery and luncheon at Reynolds Church Fellowship Hall, rural Ashton.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragelyonsfamilyfh.com