Erin Roberts Rolfson, 30, Houston

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Erin Roberts Rolfson, age 30, passed away April 4, 2007 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Erin died after a short, courageous battle with aggressive cancer, first diagnosed in October 2006.

Erin was born May 14, 1976, in Moscow, to Don L. and Jill Morgan Roberts. She began her schooling in Mountain Home, Idaho, attending school through fifth grade there. She moved to Lewiston in October 1987 during her sixth-grade year. While attending Lewiston schools, Erin actively and enthusiastically participated in all school activities, including cheerleading and student government. She was honored as Lewiston High School's homecoming queen in 1993. In addition, she was a leader in her Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints youth groups.

Following high school, she attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and continued her studies at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, earning her bachelor's degree in April 1999.

Erin married Boyd A. Rolfson on Sept. 17, 1999, in the Salt Lake LDS temple. She earned her master of social work degree also from BYU in 2001, shortly before the birth of her first son, Samuel, on June 5, 2001.

Erin began her professional work as a counselor at Wasatch Mental Health and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. As a licensed social worker, she counseled countless families, developing an expertise specifically in women's and children's issues. She was instrumental in forming a play therapy group and mentoring others in her vocation.

In July 2003, her second child, Alexander, was born while she lived in Taylorsville, Utah. Shortly after, Erin and Boyd moved to Houston, where she actively supported her husband as he attended law school. Erin worked there for LDS Family Services, continuing to lovingly counsel and support others. Her life was a gift to all, as friends, family and associates constantly sought her wisdom and advice.

Erin's devotion to the savior was demonstrated through her all-encompassing service in the church as she accepted each assignment to lead, teach and advise.

Erin was diagnosed with melanoma cancer while expecting her third child. Her courage, faith and strength sustained both her and her family through seven difficult months. On March 26, daughter Kennedy Erin Rolfson was born prematurely so Erin could begin receiving more aggressive treatment. As her body declined, she continued to welcome and comfort friends and family with her indomitable spirit. Erin believed her greatest service was as a wife and mother and was the greatest champion of her family.

She is survived by her husband Boyd, and children Sam, Alex, and Kennedy, all of Spring, Texas. Also, parents Don and Jill Roberts of Lewiston; sister, Alison and Jeff Lathen of Pocatello; brother, Dylan and Krystal Roberts of Provo, Utah; grandparents, Ed and Carma Morgan of Moscow, and Ethelyn L. Roberts of Sandy, Utah; in-laws, Don and Nadine Rolfson, Spring, Texas, Dedra and Chris Anderson, Miami, Fla., Don and Liz Rolfson, Omaha, Neb., Matt and Stephanie Rolfson, Denver, Colo., Annette and Chad Hall, Indianapolis, Emily and Ryan LeMasters, Denver; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Louis A. Roberts.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, April 9, in Spring, Texas. Burial services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Smithfield Cemetery in Smithfield, Utah. Friends and family are welcome.

A memorial service will be conducted in Lewiston at 2 p.m. on May 14 in the LDS Stake Center on Ninth Street and Preston Avenue.

The family extends their sincere thanks to all who have supported them with prayers, cards, and condolences during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established an educational fund for her children. Any remembrances may be sent to Boyd Rolfson in care of Don L. Roberts.