Erika Michelle Van Slyke, 37, passed away suddenly in Oak Harbor, WA on November 17, 2021. Erika was born in Ketchikan, Alaska on July 28, 1984 to her parents Terry and Rochelle.  Blessed with God-given poise, intelligence, and grace, she earned many accolades in scholarship pageants throughout her teenage years. She blossomed as a thespian for FCP Children’s Theatre.  Starting at age eight, she had the lead role in many theatre productions, with Cinderella and Dorothy being her favorites. Erika excelled at anything she put her mind to, from playing the piano and the alto sax in Honors Band, to participating in the Kayhi Drill team and tap-dancing, to competing in Academic Decathlon.  With her talents, she found ways to spread joy to those in need, marking the beginning of a life devoted to the service of others.  Of all her skills and achievements, helping others is what Erika did best. After graduating from Ketchikan High School in 2002, she attended Whitworth University in Spokane, WA on an honors scholarship.  During her time there, Erika majored in psychology while also cheering for the Whitworth Pirates athletic teams. After graduating in 2006, she began her career as a children’s therapist, a calling that took her all over the Pacific Northwest.  

Dedicated to her family, she found happiness in their company in recent years and relished in living so close to them. She shared her love of baseball with her dad and younger sister Amy, watching the Mariners being one of their favorite pastimes. Erika found joy in crafting with her mom and sister, and spending time with her grandmother Belan, with whom she had a special bond.  Though not in close proximity, Erika shared a special friendship with her brother Chris and his wife Janae.  Her niece Tatem and nephew Asher meant more to her than words can describe.  Anyone who met Erika was touched by her friendly, caring nature, coupled with her gorgeous smile which brightened any room she entered. Her infectious laugh brought joy to anyone within earshot.  Those who knew her will miss her adventurous spirit and sense of humor.  Those close to her will miss the fierce loyalty and selfless love she consistently expressed.  

Erika was welcomed into heaven by her grandfathers Roy Van Slyke and Gary Bryan; great-grandparents Winnie Phillips and Jim Phillips, Jay and Othella Van Slyke.  Her loss is mourned by her parents Rochelle and Terry Van Slyke; younger sister and best friend Amy; older brother Chris, sister-in-law Janae, niece Tatem and nephew Asher; grandmothers Belan and Joanne; aunt Cheryl and uncle Dave Denney, Aunt Vickie & Uncle Jerry Gleave & family, Uncle Ray Bryan & family, and godmother Marjean Zeiser.  Erika is also mourned by her church family at Church of the Nazarene in Ketchikan.  Erika will be deeply missed by countless other family members and friends who loved her dearly, in particular her special friend, Preston Smith.

A celebration of Erika's life will be held on Saturday, July 2 at 1:00 pm at Clover Pass Community Church of the C&MA, 105 North Point Higgins Rd in Ketchikan.  All are welcome to attend.  Her family invites all who knew and loved Erika to share memories on her memorial website: www.everloved.com/memorial/er…

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to set up a special needs trust for her beloved sister Amy's future needs, via this website or Erika's brother's GoFundMe campaign, the "Erika Van Slyke Legacy Fund": https://www.gofundme.com/f/er…

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