Erika was born in Ernsthofen, Germany. Raised and educated in Germany during WWII, Erika became a teacher and later worked for Pan American Air Lines, where she met her future husband Dean, while booking him a safari. They were married in Frankfurt and later returned to the United States. Together for 58 years they lived in Kentucky, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Springfield, MO. She enjoyed traveling, golfing, and volunteering. Upon Dean's death she moved to Lawton, OK where she continued her volunteer work at CCMH. Now she will join Dean on their last journey.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Dean, and sister Helga. Erika leaves behind a daughter, Simone Schutz and husband Dr. George Schutz, grandson Erik Schutz, and two granddaughters, Dr. Alexis Schutz and Ricky Lutz, and Christina Schutz McMarty and Ricky McCarty. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.