Mary E. (Mock) Anderson and Millard Anderson had their daughter and third child in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 24 May 1947, naming her Joan Marie. They moved around the States quite a bit, taking their children all over the country, except for Hawaii. Mom loved to write and create cryptograph puzzles. She was especially protective of her younger brother, Michael as they grew. After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1970 up in Spokane, Washington, she moved to California. She met Dad - Lyle Erickson, Jr. - at a young single adult’s activity with the Church. She realized he had his eye on her and she tried to get away from him. But, Dad’s persistence and stubbornness won that day. They dated for two months and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles California Temple on Friday the 13th of October in 1972. Mom had always wanted lots and lots of kids. Alas, she only got a small handful. And she LOVED us! She was able to fulfill her passion of writing stories and articles for various newspapers and magazines. Her last publications were for the Bonesteel, SD newspaper. You may remember her as Yaya in the Neighborhood. Her kids and grandkids gave her the name of Yaya. Mom and Dad raised their kids in Pierre, SD. Mom took her kids fishing and walking all around Pierre quite often. After all of the kids had left home and grandkids were all born, they moved to Bonesteel, SD, where they made their home and retired, welcoming their kids, grandkids, family and friends every time they were in town. Mom spent her last Christmas and New Year with family in 2025. She passed away in the hospital in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family on Saturday, the 3rd of January 2026. Mom is survived by her brother Michael (Pat) Anderson and their kids, her sister-in-law Bobbie Sue Anderson and her family, her husband Lyle; their kids Kristoffer (Amy and Alicia) Erickson - Rhianna (Michael), Gjorde, Alie, and Colby; Kelly’O (Christopher) Smith - Hunter, Tristen and Gavriil; Thjorsven (John) Erickson; Clifton Rester.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant” - Matthew 25 : 21

Families can be together forever. Mom, we’ll see you later! We love you!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD. Burial will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Riverside Cemetery, Pierre, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.