Our lives changed forever with the passing of our precious daughter, sister, wife and mother; Courtney (Ericksen) Book. Courtney passed on October, 27 ^th into our Fathers loving arms, though sooner that we ever could imagine.

Courtney was born on August 9 ^th , 1983 in Spokane, WA to parents, Craig and Stephanie Ericksen. They lived in Spokane all their lives. She went to Longfellow Elementary across the street from our home. Her favorite memory was walking across the street for lunch and having a picnic on the floor together with mom. She graduated from Mead High School in 2001. Her highlight in high school was experiencing a trip to Europe with her French class. She loved Paris and came back speaking French and decorating her room with French flair!

Courtney was always a caregiver and showed it from an early age. She wanted to be a teacher and a nurse. She would gather her dolls and plunk her baby brother, Blake, among them and teach them how to read, the alphabet and anything else they would listen too. She would tend to anyone's boo-boos, make them snacks and give big hugs. Her dream of being a nurse, lead her to many years of working as a NAC in a variety of nursing care environments which she loved. She was often acknowledged for her hard work and sincere abilities for each person she cared for. She continued pursuing her dream of becoming an RN by attending online college up until her death.

Our family was given the special gift of knowing and loving many people with developmental disabilities or unique abilities! She, Blake and Tim were raised from early ages; empathy, understanding and acceptance of others differences. While in high school, she witnessed another student in a wheelchair being bullied. She confronted the" bullier" that resulted in a pop in the face and she was expelled from school for a week. We were blessed by Erma and Bill becoming a lifelong part of our family.  Courtney called them her brother and sister.  Her strong love for them began her sometimes, unbridled desire and commitment to be an advocate and voice for the rights of those who were vulnerable.  She lived her life with courage, selflessness and determination.

Courtney married her loving husband, Travis on September, 16 ^th 2007. Their beautiful children, Logan (16) and Abbi (14) are the love of her life. She and Travis taught them life lessons that have helped guide them to be the incredible people they are. They reflect Courtney's unconditional love for each other, empathy, determination, hard work and definitely her spunk and humor! We pray for them as they have to walk through this unimaginable path without their Mom here on earth. We believe she is next to them guiding them along their journey through life. She has always loved them with every ounce of her heart and soul. They want to share, "Your beauty was surreal and your heart pure gold. We will make you proud, love you forever!!"

Courtney is preceded in death by her Grandma (Earlene Drewniak), Pops (Earl Drewniak), Bill Harvey, Erma Cooper as well as other precious family members. She is survived by her husband, Travis, children Logan and Abbi. Her parents, Craig and Stephanie Ericksen. Brothers; Blake (Rachel) and Tim (Izzy).