Martha Lou (Axelton) Erickson, 81, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at the KU Medical Center, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Martha was born June 9, 1934, in Olsburg, KS, to Elmer Paul and Lucile Ella (Carlson) Axelton. She married John Donald “Doc” Erickson in Topeka, KS, on April 21, 1956. Martha worked at several places around Topeka in addition to raising her family. She worked for the Kansas Inspection Bureau, Trinity Lutheran Church, and retired from KPERS. She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Topeka. She spent many hours at area sports fields and gymnasiums watching her grandchildren participate in their many activities. Martha also enjoyed painting with her many friends, and socializing at breakfast and lunch outings.

She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Lee Axelton; and two infant children.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Mary (Larry) McGinnis; son, Jim (Susan) Erickson; four wonderful grandchildren, Emily and Brian McGinnis, and Danny and Nikki Erickson; and sister, Lois Axelton.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Burial will follow at Olsburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Mid-Town Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 731 SW Buchanan Street, Topeka, KS 66606.

To leave a special message for Martha’s family, please click the Share Memories button above.