Tribute

On November 11, 2024, Barbara “Bobby” Strickler Ericsson, after years of battling Parkinson’s Disease, received her perfect, glorified body and experienced a great reunion with generations of loved ones gone before. No doubt she was greeted by her Savior, Jesus Christ, and heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord”. A humble woman with a continuous sparkle in her eye and a keen business sense, her life of global impact is evidenced by the cascade of condolences from around the world. Born in Berryville, VA, Bobby graduated from VCU and then moved across the country to Los Angeles, CA where she worked as an Occupational Therapist. She met and married Samuel Eric Hans Ericsson in February of 1971. They had two children, Monica and Ryan, and attended Grace Community Church. In 1980, the family moved to Springfield, VA and promptly involved themselves at Immanuel Bible Church. After retiring to Harper’s Ferry, WV they attended Fellowship Bible. Following Sam’s death in 2011, Bobby began spending winters in Round Rock, TX to be near her family. In 2018, Bobby relocated permanently to Round Rock, TX where she attended Hill County Bible Church and then Grace Community Church, a small church plant from Sam and Bobby’s church home in California. A prolific and talented artist, Bobby was a pioneer in teaching home milling and baking along with health and wellness studies. Her passion for whole organic foods and minimizing chemical exposure in the home came from her own encounters with environmental toxins. She was always on the leading edge of nutritional trends and truly ahead of her time. Bobby’s work extended far outside the walls of her home. Sam had a vision to “Do Justice with Compassion” and Bobby’s unwavering support to both Sam and the mission helped turn that vision into a global movement. It was Bobby’s business savvy that helped fund many Advocates International projects that spanned across borders and communities, sparking change and raising up Christian lawyers globally to fulfill that mission. Bobby was well known for her gift of hospitality through the years; from next-door neighbors to the king of a small African nation and his delegation. Sam was famous for arriving home with 2-20 people in tow with no notice where Bobby would welcome them into her home to provide food and lodging. When Sam offered to host a young college student from Russia, Nick became their third child. Bobby and Sam fully embraced the belief of “Always steward, never owner” as they gave of their time, talents, and treasures generously. Bobby is survived by her children, Monica Welch (Adam) of Round Rock, TX, Ryan Ericsson (Dawn Catalano), Salida, CO, loved-as-a-son Nick Vyssotski (Morgan), Austin, TX and nine grandchildren, all of whom Bobby adored. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Stricker Devers (Bob) of Philomont, VA. See a tribute to Bobby at the top of the webpage. https://advocatesinternational.org

Friends & Family