Carol Jean Erickson (Rensvold) danced into the arms of Jesus early in the morning of March 31st, 2025. She was surrounded by her family while at the Billings Clinic where she passed away due to a severe brain bleed. She probably felt the need to get to heaven to plan a party and celebrate with her mom in heaven on her 100th birthday that day. That was Carol, she was always thinking of and caring for others and she was the party planner and she had all the energy to carry it through with a smile on her face and love in her heart.
Carol was born in Miles City, MT. She was the second child born to Carl and Bertha (Naasz) Schlepp. She is now meeting and enjoying time with her sister Bonnie, which she never met because she passed as an infant. Carol also has a brother, Jerry Schlepp.
Circle, Montana was where her family made their home. She attended Circle schools and this is where she met the man who swept her off her feet, Robert (Bob) Erickson. They were married at a young age on June 8, 1963 and they made their home in Vida, MT, where they farmed and gardened. Bob and Carol always said that Vida was “The greatest place on earth”. Vida is where they raised their three children, Shelly, Sherry and Michael. As parents they were always present for all of their children’s activities and very supportive of all the things their children were involved in throughout the years. They were always teaching hard work ethics, good morals and the importance of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Carol was very instrumental in getting the family to church each Sunday, where she was for many years the leader of the Sunday School program at the Evangelical Church.
Carol became a widow on September 2, 1996 when Bob passed away in a car accident. Carol continued to live in Vida where she continued to help on the family farm, raise her garden, and tend to her beautiful yard and “Vida Park”. She spent many hours in her yard, mowing, watering, caring for plants and it showed. With each passing year it seemed that she would get more energy instead of less. It may have had something to do with the fact that she loved doing all of this and took pride in it.
On June 12, 2012 Carol married Ted Rensvold after a short courtship. Ted’s family instantly became part of Carol’s family. Together, Ted and Carol would travel to see them and enjoy some of their sporting events. They enjoyed going on bus trips around the country and seeing new places and meeting new people. You could also find them putting puzzles together and playing cards with friends. The love of dancing was something they had in common and they would attend many senior dances where they became great dance partners.
Carol always had the love of dancing. She must have passed this dancing trait onto her son Michael. The two of them were known to clear the dance floor at all of Carol’s grandchildren’s weddings. This sometimes even included the pick Carol up and flip her over move from Mike.
Throughout life Carol got involved in many things. She could be described as a doer, planner, caretaker, hard worker, giver. For many years she helped her dear friend Agnes Schmidt with events. She also planned and held many events in her beautiful yard such as Christian singing groups and dinners. She could make anything in her yard bloom and grow with the most vibrant of colors. She was an excellent cook and baker. Holidays will never be the same without Grandma’s buns. She enjoyed sports and she even played on the women’s softball team that her husband Bob coached. She was always helping a neighbor or friend in need. She babysat many kids in the Vida area. Everything Carol did she did with so much love and compassion.
If you could describe the best mother and grandmother, it would be Carol. Once she had grandchildren and great grandchildren and if they were around her, she would have one on her lap or be down on the floor playing with them. Sometimes she had just as much energy when playing as they did. Her love and devotion to her family was immeasurable. She spent many hours cross-stitching many blankets for each and everyone of her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. These were made with so much love and they will be cherished for many years. She was a big part of all of our lives and she will be greatly missed by her family.
Carol is survived by her husband, Ted Rensvold of Vida, two daughters, Shelly Sutton and her husband Arne of Circle, Sherry Haynie and her husband Elliot of Vida; and her son Michael Erickson and his wife Janet of Billings. Six Grandchildren, Andrea Galt her husband Jay, Lynae Cole her husband Cody, Jamison Haynie his wife Katie, Janessa Fisk her husband Tanner, Journey Colgan and her husband Chris and also Kolt Erickson; Six Great Grandchildren, Mason and Anders Haynie, Henry Galt, Sienna Cole and expectant baby Cole, and Colsen Fisk; her brother Jerry Schlepp and his wife Margi of Glendive. She is also survived by Ted’s family: Dave and Mary Rensvold, their children Matthew and Samantha; Curt & Joscelyn Tracy, their children Audrey, Colton (Reann), Shawn, Samantha (Zach) & expectant baby; Eric Rensvold and his daughter Mya. Many cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous dear friends.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Erickson, father Carl; mother, Bertha; sister Bonnie and her father-in-law Axel Erickson and mother-in-law Lena Erickson.
Our family would like to thank each and everyone of you for being part of Carol’s life. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She will be so greatly missed but we have comfort in knowing that she is now an angel dancing in heaven, enjoying the streets of gold and seeing and smelling the beautiful flowers there. Dance away mom – you deserve it!
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Circle Evangelical Church. There will be a graveside burial at the Vida Cemetery at 2 PM following a light luncheon at Evangelical Church. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 4, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 5, 2025
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B. Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 4, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 5, 2025
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B. Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
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scott taylor says
So shocked to hear this…I always enjoyed visiting with Carol….Oh! How she liked to talk! Funny too! Last saw her raking leaves in her yard in Vida….Mostly talked about the Lord….She’s got His ear now….God Bless you Ted, may the Lord wrap His Everlasting Arms around you and your family at this time….Scott.
Tyler Pust says
Prayers are with you.
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
Shelley, Sherry and Mike,
We wish to express our deep sympathy in the loss of your precious mother. Carol was one of the most vibrant and energetic people I’ve known and she was always seen with a smile on her face. She loved her family dearly and loved the Lord! Rest assured that she is resting comfortably in the arms of Jesus now and always hold your memories dear. May God Bless you all!
Sheila Schwartz says
Dear Shelley, Sheri and Mike and families
What precious memories of your mother starting as a young girl living in a boxcar, the hours she spent with our family, and then as we grew up into our own families such great times together, your folks were wonderful hosts of giving and sharing. I share this devotional that I read on the day of her passing, A Remembrance of the Future. “If you can’t dance, in the resurrection you’ll dance perfectly. If you’re lonely, in the resurrection you will have perfect love. If you’re empty, in the resurrection you’ll will be fully satisfied. Ordinary life is what’s going to be redeemed. There is nothing better than ordinary life, except that it’s always going away and always falling apart. Ordinary life is food and work and chairs by the fire and hugs and dancing and mountains-this world. God loves it so much that He gave His only Son so we -and the rest of this ordinary world-could be redeemed and made perfect. And that’s what is in store for us.” Carol is now dancing in worship to her Savior.
Tracy Wittenberg says
Shelly, sheri, and Mike
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, I hope the Lord will heal your broken hearts and in time fill the void with all your precious memories! Just know she is in heaven looking down on you!
Cheryl Tonn says
Ted, I sat across the aisle from you and Carol last fall on the bus trip to the coast. I recognized her name and was so shocked to read this ! I remember she had a history of back problems. I am so sorry you have to go through this loss and sadness again! She was so pretty and little but could be a force to be reckoned with I thought…. I’m smiling now! I so enjoyed our short time together!! My thoughts and prayers
are with you and your families!!!
Janet Hansen Beery says
Oh…my heart just hurt when I heard about the passing of our sweet-kind-funny-happy-classy wife/mother/mother-in-law/grandmother/friend!!! Boy did she light up a room with her smile & laugh! Carol had just been in our office & boy did we have a gab & laugh session. We loved it when she came to see us gals. She was one of our many FAVORITES! She will be missed but know that she is dancing & lighting up heaven with her presence. RIP my friend. You will be missed but not forgotten!!!
Dora Suppes says
Carol was always such a big part of my summers when I would come to our family farm. I always remember her as a beautiful powerful woman and admired her tenacity. She was always so kind. She was gracious enough to come to my mother, Dorothy Suppes’s graveside service in 2018. Her presence meant so much to me and I never had the opportunity to tell her just how much. I can see her in my mind now…she looked amazing and beautiful as always. Sending love to her family. It’s just never easy to lose anyone let alone a mother.
Tammy (Dexter) Combs says
Dear Ted, Shelly, Sherry, Mike & families,
This was a shock to hear! My heart hurts for every one of you. The world has lost one of its brightest lights! It is going to be tough to live without that brightness that your mom shone everywhere she went! She was one of the sweetest, kindest, loving, fun-loving, beautiful inside and out people one could ever meet. When she talked to you, she made you feel like you were the only person in the room. She was sincere and caring, and I do not remember a time when she did not have a smile on her face – AND, she had such a great laugh! I know her faith was strong and that she is happily dancing in Heaven with Jesus as we speak. God bless you all as you journey through this rough time. Life is a journey, and your mom made her journey on earth so special by living life as God wants us to live – treasuring every moment and making every moment count! I pray God’s peace over every single one of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Flo Meissner says
Dear Carols family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was always happy and full of life. Always willing to lend a hand. We certainly will miss her presence but now she is resting in the arms of the Lord.
Mary Kasten Grube says
Shelly and family. So sorry for your loss. Heaven gained an angel for sure. Hugs
Vern and Carolyn May says
Ted and all of Carol’s family.
We are so very sorry to hear about Carol. She was such a bubbly and friendly person. We enjoyed getting to know her on our trips that we took together. I know she is resting in the arms of Jesus. May God comfort you at this time, as only He can. Draw strength from all your great memories. The world last a truly great child of God.
Kathy & Lonnie Leslie says
Shelly, Arnie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this loss.
As you know, the Joy is in the knowing she is happy in Heaven and you’ll be with her again. Praise The Lord.
Kathy & Lonnie Leslie
Kent Wangsness says
Schlepp, Erickson & Rensvold families,
About 11-years ago, Carol had a small portable commercial stand right across the street from the Memorial Building in Circle.
She had 5 or 6 boys/men gathered around the stand. I said so all could hear “After all these years, you still attract all the boys” !!!! Amazing !!
Kent Wangsness
Sharon Paulson Finneman says
I don’t remember Carol, but Jerry was my classmate. I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was an amazing woman. My sisters have been gone many years, as are my parents. It’s hard to lose all family. My prayers for you and Carols family. Very sad to hear. I remember what a good artist you were.
Becky Fuhs says
Shelly, Sherry and Mike and the rest of the family
I Am So So Sorry to hear about Carol! What a Sweet, Kind, Loving woman of God! She was one of the best and now she is in Our Lord and Saviors Loving arms and what a reunion there was when she entered Heaven’s Gates. Find Peace in knowing you all will see her again. Let the Tears flow but Be Happy also as we know she is in the place there is and now is all of your Guardian Angel!
Thoughts and Prayers for ALL of you
Love and Hugs
Becky (Johnson) Fuhs
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Carol’s passing. We remember her as a classmate and friend. While you will miss her daily, we will especially miss her twinkling eyes, friendly smile, and high energy this year at our class reunion. Our prayers are with all of you.
Steve Rothe says
My sincere condolences to Ted and to all of Carol’s family and friends. May wonderful memories uplift you and carry you.
Margo Hellickson says
To Carol’s family. It was a shock to see Carol had passed. We had so much fun at the singles dances, and had even fooled a couple gentlemen thinking that we were twin sisters and were so convincing we were believed. So we were the twins. Since I moved from Glendive, I didn’t see her that often, but when we did, there was lots to catch up on in each of our lives. My heart is sad to see my twin has passed. She had a way of cheering everyone up. I regret due to other obligations, I am unable to attend her services. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. She will be missed.
Kathy McGowan says
Great memories but a memorable one was during a legislative session when I was lobbying, I heard a yell in the rotunda: Kathleen! It was Carol! I was so happy to see her.
Diana Shay says
Awww heaven received a good one❤️🩹I’m so sorry to hear this and that your precious mom and friend is no longer here with you😢love and hugs being sent 😞
Pauline and Myron Gackle says
Our hearts are breaking along with yours! Carol was certainly more than a special Aunt, she was more like another SISTER to me, she was a spiritual sister in Christ. With that said, we grew up together, sort of speak, after they made their move to Vida. Later, after we were married, good times spent together playing games and attending ballgames with Mike and Gary 🏀 Many holiday meals at each other’s homes; MMM; Meals, Miles and Memories!!! You could say our families grew up together! And we loved every minute!! Carol & I had many excursions over the years! I’m truly grateful to have had Carol in my life and so thankful for her great testimony to her faith in Jesus Christ. I’d like to share this with her kids:
IT’S TIME TO DANCE
The delight of my joyous affection wraps tightly around you. Let your heart awaken in the light of my pure pleasure. Set your feet to dancing. Join in rhythm 🎶 of heavenly joy breaking through your cloudy days with the brightness of my radiant love. I am your great deliverer and the only source of unconstrained mercy. Awaken to the sunshine of my love that rises over you. You are my beloved one, and my kindness is shining on you.
Consider the goodness of my heart that freely flows over your life. Celebrate the unhindered affection I pour over you in every season. I am, the I AM – the One who was, who is, and who is to come. I am with you, never even turning away for a moment. Let my delight of you flood your senses, and when your heart stirs in response to my lively, yield to it. There’s always a reason to celebrate. Can you find one today? DANCE upon every disappointment and find your hope lives on fully in me, not in temporary pleasures.
BREAK FORTH WITH DANCING!! MAKE MUSUC AND SING GOD’S PRAISES WITH THE RHYTHM OF DRUMS!!
PSALM 149:3
Carol is DANCING ON! She is more alive today than she has ever been!! DANCE on in her memory, celebrating the eternal home she has gained! Love you all! ❤️ Praying for each of you!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Brady Stone says
Shelly, Sherry and Mike, very sorry to hear about your mom. Mike, take care old friend and give your family lots of hugs.
Don and Nancy Moos says
Carol was a loving, happy, energetic lady who blessed all of us who knew her. Treasure your memories and let them lift you as God wraps His arms around you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeri Toavs says
Ted, Shelley, Sherry and Mike
Sending my deepest sympathies to you all! I remember as a young child Carol babysat me when my mom started her first years of teaching in Vida. I always remember how beautiful her smile was and how energetic and fun she was!
My sincere condolences
Bob and Ann Conover says
Carol and Bob were great friends and we loved them both dearly. We spent a lot of time with them and Carol was very special to our young children. She took our daughter Sarah out in the garden with her and introduced her to “friendly” worms and bugs. She truly was an “energizer bunny,” and always gave a helping hand with a big smile for everyone. Our memories of Carol are only good ones. We praise God that we can KNOW that she is in heaven with Him, as she truly knew Jesus as her savior. Our hearts go out to her family as we know they will greatly miss her.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Mom and wife. Carol was always such a kind person and always easy to visit with. May you always remember that she loved you deeply and will always love you until she can hold you once again. Rest in Peace Carol.
Warrens and Rhonda Stenseth says
Shelly, Sherry and Mike
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She was truly a gem. Our thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you all find comfort in the lord.
Leanne Phillips-Hall says
We are so sorry. You are such a kind and loving family and you all mean so much to my Mom. Some of Mom & Dad’s best memories are from the time they spent in Vida. We will have all of you in our prayers.
Sending our love, Elaine, Leanne and Cory and families.
Jean Nedrud says
On behalf of Kay & Mel, we, too, have so many precious memories. As a neighbor Kay was so appreciative of all of Carol’s meals, visits, parties, sharing the gardens & compassion. Kay said Carol was like a daughter to her! And now they can be visiting & flower bed talking & discussing gardening with Mel!
We’re sorry for the extreme loss to the community & family but the joy in heaven has gone up a notch! Love you Carol!
Jim Patch says
Ted, and families. I’m truly sorry to read of the death of Carol. 🙏🏼⛩️🌅
Leann Bankey says
Carol was so fun to talk to when we ran into while she was in Miles City.
Wanda and Leann Bankey
Tana Canen says
I am so very sorry for your sudden loss. Your mother’s legacy lives on through a beautiful family! I pray you feel God’s arms around you.
Luci (Helm) Dutton says
I am so sorry for the loss of Carol. I remember my parents speaking so fondly of her. Sending prayers!
Kyle Voss says
Shelly, Sherri and Mike,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I was shocked to hear the news as I had just spoken with her at a college basketball game a short time ago. Many memories flood back to me of y’all. Take comfort in knowing she is dancing now in heaven.
Darlene L Strobel says
Ted,
I can’t believe that Carol is gone. I truly loved the time we spent together and had a plan to visit you two this summer. (I even have my route mapped out!)
My deepest sympathies to you in this great loss. May God give you the extra strength needed in these most difficult days.
Love and prayers,
Darlene Strobel
Joni Kuntz says
I am so sorry for your loss of your Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. I always knew Carol and I were cousins but it wasn’t until Bertha married my dad that we spent a lot of time together. Carol was so loved by Bertha and Dad. I know they spent many Thanksgiving & Christmas with all of you and many travels by bus to see so many things. Once the water heater broke at Bertha and Jims house in WP and Denis and Carol were downstairs standing in water and cleaning it up. When Bertha died, Carol was right there offering to take her back to Washington because that was what dad had promised he would do. Carol was always there ready to help with anything that needed to be done. She was one amazing woman, her smile lit up the room, she never knew a stranger, she was so happy when her and Ted were dancing. The loves of her life were all of you!! I was on my way to Schmeckfest with a friend on the 28th. We didn’t know which way we would go until the last minute when we went through Vida. I told her i needed to stop and hug your mom. I stopped there that afternoon on the way to the farm and her door was open and i went in and yelled for your mom, no answer so I left for the farm. When we left the farm, I had cell reception and called your mom. She said she had been out walking, I told her I loved her and that I would see her again soon when I came through that way. I am so happy I got to talk to her. I wanted to send you all hugs and love, your mom is dancing in heaven with all of her family and friends!
Bruce Clausen says
Dear Shelly, Sharri, & Mike;
So very sorry about the loss of your mother! Took me by surprise reading about her passing. I enjoyed visits with Carol over the years I was in Circle, as well as with her daughters, and especially Mike. My fb team qb with good athleticism. Will sure miss Carol, albeit I hadn’t seen her for a period of time, except @ a few ballgames. She was quite a lady, and may she rest in peace. My condolences and prayers for her as well as her children.
Kent & Ronda Cromwell says
Dear Shelly, Mike & Sharri and families;
We are so sorry to hear the passing of your beautiful mom. She was such a sweet lady & loved by many. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Roscoe and Sharon Schmidt says
We will cherish long time memories of Carol and her wonderful family.
June. Tibbetts says
We are so sad for your loss. Carol was an amazing Lady. Love her high energy. Jerry was in my class. Prayers to you all🙏🙏🙏
John and Lorna Jackson says
Our sympathies to Ted and all the families of Carol,
She was 1 amazing lady, so loving and caring to all with a smile on her face. May God’s comfort & peace be yours with a favorite song 🎶 to remember what Carol loved.
Blessings & peace, John & Lorna Jackson