Sybil Erickson
Sybil Doris Erickson, 76, died Dec. 13, 2025, at Billings Clinic Hospital.
She was born in Poplar on Oct. 31, 1949, to Florence Mae Weinberger Bighorn and Ernest Clark Bighorn Sr. She was the fourth born of her siblings: Ernie, Jackie, Crystal, Alda and James Bighorn. Her father named her after his only sister, Sybil Lambert. Being born on Halloween, she was affectionately known as “boo boos” by many of her friends and family.
She attended school in Brockton and received her GED. She later attended Cook Christian Training School in Tempe, Ariz., where she loved being with her Bighorn relatives. She also spent time in Riverside, Calif., and Billings in her younger years.
She married Keith Erickson Sr. and, to this union, she raised three children, Joe, Keith and Kristen. Together, they operated Chief Drive-In. She worked at the Smoke Shack and Tribal Express over the years but, ultimately, dedicated over 30 years of her life working as a paraprofessional where her patience, kindness and commitment left a lasting impact on countless students. Her work extended far beyond the classroom and she played an important role in helping raise many along the way, offering guidance, encouragement and unwavering support.
She was a woman whose heart and home were always open. She never turned anyone away and raised numerous children, loving each of them as her own. She always had a spare room or couch for anyone. Known for her selflessness, she would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need, never hesitating to help when someone was hurting. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially hunting for bargains and spending hours at yard sales, delighting in the “treasures” she collected along the way. She loved playing her tablet, watching game shows and crime shows and visiting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Erickson Sr.; son, Joseph John Erickson Sr.; sister, Crystal Bighorn; and brother, James Allen Bighorn.
She is survived by her children, Keith Erickson Jr. and Kristen Merchant; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Alda Bighorn and Jackie Small; and her brother, Ernie Bighorn.
Ultimately, her greatest joy in life came from her grandchildren, but none more than her baby Joseph Jr. whom she raised from a young age.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Burial was at the Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
