1980 - 2008

Joined the angels on May 12, 2008 at the age of 28 from a sudden stroke, in Sonoma, CA. Erica came into this world on March 13, 1980, into the loving arms of Carmen Skaggs and Alberta Alexander in Flint.

She was joyfully adopted by the family of John Letson and Linda (Letson) Spomer and sisters, Trudy, Judy and brother Wayne. She moved with her family to San Jose in 1986, then to Sonoma where she met her beloved teachers at Altimira.

She attended Sonoma Valley High School where she later enrolled in the SCOE program. She was active in Becoming Independent, where she had a loving circle of friends.

At the age of 23, Erica joined her adoring partner in life, James Sturgill. She gave birth to their beloved son, Adam Joseph on Jan. 21, 2005.

Erica will be remembered for her knack of turning strangers into dear friends. Countless people have been warmed to the soul by her hugs. She remembered the names of every dog and cat she ever met.

She refused to accept the importance the rest of us placed on being on time, but fully appreciated the value of a good cup of coffee and another pair of shoes. Her greatest pleasures were in moments that often rush by unnoticed: the moments of laughter with Jim and their son; the sweetness of cuddling; the cats’ fur; the Glen Ellen Village Fair; the sunset behind a face; once more listening to Flash Dance; the Tao of Pooh and Aunt Diane’s farm. She loved dancing, the Renaissance Faire and Halloween costumes.

She was predeceased by her great-grandparents, Alice and Clifford Priestley and Glyde and Evelyn Rohlfs of Akron and grandparents, Ruth and Loren Letson of Fairgrove.

Erica is survived by the partner to whom she was devoted, Jim Sturgill; her adoring mother, Linda Spomer (Alan); her steadfast and loving father, John Letson (Thom Rathbun); her dear and protective sisters, Trudy Letson (Luis Reys) and Judy Letson (Frank Jager); dear devoted brother, Wayne Letson (Ella) and her beloved grandmother, Eugeana Rohlfs.

She also leaves behind her honorary fathers and mothers, Thom Rathbun, Mike Wark, Al Spomer, Suzanne Reed, Renee Sherd and Antonia Allawatt.

Also, the many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; teachers, nurses and friends who protected her and gave her peace and confidence, unconditional love, boom boxes, roller skates, umbrellas, poems, rules and chocolate with peanut butter.

Erica, all of us who survive you ask that you continue to be our greatest teacher and delight; to guide our understanding of priorities and to never forget to hug people in stores. Ride and skate with the wind our darling.

A date for the local memorial service will be announced later in the year.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her memorial fund which will be used for shoes, toys and books for children going into foster care: Linda Spomer, Erica Letson Memorial Fund, Sonoma Valley Bank, 202 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.