We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Erica Lynn Puckett (Strutz). Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."-Mr. RogersErica graced the world with her beautiful presence on March 6, 1984. She unexpectedly flew home to the loving arms of Jesus on January 13th, 2021. The sun doesn't shine as bright without her in this... see more"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."
-Mr. Rogers
Erica graced the world with her beautiful presence on March 6, 1984. She unexpectedly flew home to the loving arms of Jesus on January 13th, 2021. The sun doesn't shine as bright without her in this world.
She is survived by her dear brother Alex; 2 out of this world children, Madalyn and Preston; several Aunts, Uncles, and cousins; and many many close friends that were family to her. She was preceeded in death by her Father John and her Mother Toni, her grandparents on both sides, and more than one of her close friends.
Erica loved rainbows and elephants, binge watching time travel and supernatural dramas on television, feeding what she called her "inner fat girl" with ice cream, and smiling was her favorite.
Erica was a force. Her energy was intense and it was impossible not to feel as she was feeling while in her company. To be on the business end of a classic Erica tantrum was well worth it in trade for being a recipient of her unwavering love.
Erica's spirit was magnetic. She made a new friend everywhere she went, she never met a stranger. She connected with people and touched their lives in ways they didn't even know they needed. She brought people together. She could make a difference without trying, sometimes without knowing.
Erica knew and loved Jesus, and though she is resting peacefully with Him now, her tragic passing and her absence are a seething pain in the hearts of so many. Her life mattered and she will be loved and missed until we see her bright sunshiny smile again.
Toni and I both were having difficulty getting pregnant. I was lucky to get my son, Patrick. Soon after he was born Toni informed us that she was expecting...that little bundle of happiness was little Erica, my darling niece. When I was visiting... moreToni and I both were having difficulty getting pregnant. I was lucky to get my son, Patrick. Soon after he was born Toni informed us that she was expecting...that little bundle of happiness was little Erica, my darling niece. When I was visiting Kansas City, I remember a car full of carseats as we ran errands with our little ones. Later there were trips to the Renaisance Festival and Erica looked so cute with the garland of flowers and ribbons he wore in her golden hair. My sister, Heidi, loved taking her nieces and nephews to Worlds of Fun. However, she wanted the kids to herself and didn't want the parents saying "no" you can't do that. Erica, Alex and my children loved spending those moments with their Aunt Heidi. Erica had such a sweet smile and her cousins enjoyed their many visits to see Erica and Alex. Sadly, we learned that their father and my brother, John, suddenly passed away when Alex and Erica were just children. I remember how brave Erica was when we told her. She just looked at us and said, "I think I will go clean my room". I believe Erica has had to deal with way more challenges than anyone deserved. I moved to Texas and saw less of her, but I do recall so powerful conversations that we had over the phone. She became a very prayerful young lady and we spoke of our shared firm faith in God and a love for his Son, Jesus. Although Erica's struggles were many, I believe that she is in the loving arms of her parents, her grandparents and other close relatives that have gone before her. God bless you sweet one. Love, Aunt Margee. less
Your journey through life on earth was a difficult one but now you are resting in heavenly peace. I know you are watching over Preston and are happy to see how full of life he is...I will never let him forget you and I will dedicate my life to guiding,... moreYour journey through life on earth was a difficult one but now you are resting in heavenly peace. I know you are watching over Preston and are happy to see how full of life he is...I will never let him forget you and I will dedicate my life to guiding, nurturing and loving him for both of us. Rest in Peace. less
I'm so sorry to hear about my niece Erica. I remember spending many Christmas Eve's at my brother John and Toni's house. Toni would always make sure Santa would show up and the kids (Erica and Alex) would get so excited. Great memories.
Erica was a brave person.She lived with monkeys on her back but she fought them despite the fears. Occasionally she talked about the voices in her head that were angry and menacing.She had her mother's energy level:go-go-go.How she managed to clear out... moreErica was a brave person.She lived with monkeys on her back but she fought them despite the fears. Occasionally she talked about the voices in her head that were angry and menacing.She had her mother's energy level:go-go-go.How she managed to clear out that big house that was full of stuff when it sold was remarkable.She just kept working, organizing it all.Toni was diagnosed with cancer in summer 2017, and when Erica got out of rehab she hit the ground running to take care of Toni.Toni was used to doing everything, so she was grateful that Erica stepped up.She checked on Toni throughout the nights, kept her clean, fed her good foods.Toni was able to rest at the end because of Erica. And when Toni's mother lived with them in her final 2 yrs, Erica never shined brighter than when she cared for her grandmother. Erica's mental health issues caused many problems as a mother. She loved her children but she was erratic. As hard as it was, she knew it was the most loving thing to let her daughter be raised by her father.That broke Erica's heart and Toni's heart, but they knew it was best for the little girl.Erica was in rehab for substance abuse several times but it always came back. But she kept trying.She wanted to reunite with her children. It wasn't to be.What I learned from Erica's life was getting up and trying again even when it's hard. Erica was brave. less
I remember Erica as an adorable little girl with bouncy blond curls. She had an amazing smile and could light up a room! She was in my wedding and looked beautiful....I know she’s in heaven with her parents whom she missed & loved so much. Rest In... moreI remember Erica as an adorable little girl with bouncy blond curls. She had an amazing smile and could light up a room! She was in my wedding and looked beautiful....I know she’s in heaven with her parents whom she missed & loved so much. Rest In Peace sweet girl....❤️ less
Janice PuckettI remember the first time I met Erica, her beautiful smile! She will always hold a place in my heart, my daughter in love, Mady’s mom.
Mady knows her mom is looking down from Heaven along with her Nani and Nani Darling.
I will see you again someday and... moreI remember the first time I met Erica, her beautiful smile! She will always hold a place in my heart, my daughter in love, Mady’s mom.
Mady knows her mom is looking down from Heaven along with her Nani and Nani Darling.
I will see you again someday and look forward to seeing that beautiful smile again!
Love you Erica❤️
I remember how loving and careful my niece Erica was as primary caregiver looking after her mother, my sister Toni at the end of her life. I was - the whole family was - grateful for how Erica took charge at a time when her mother needed complete care. ... moreI remember how loving and careful my niece Erica was as primary caregiver looking after her mother, my sister Toni at the end of her life. I was - the whole family was - grateful for how Erica took charge at a time when her mother needed complete care. These were important days, Toni's last days at home and it was Erica's devotion to her mother that made this time possible for her. I saw what a strong woman Erica was, how she faced down her fears then and responded with purpose, determination and TLC. The loving attention she gave Toni was good for everyone; we were all in shock at the sudden impact of the situation. Having Erica lean in with strength and warm support was something Toni needed and we all felt. And now we are faced with the suddenness of Erica's passing, its totality, and the loss of her at so vital a time in her life. Thinking about Erica, remembering the various stages of her growing up and her development from being a child into adulthood with its many complications - the journey of Erica"s life - it's easy to recall the celebrations with her, friends and family, events of good fun and laughter, times of great hope and belief in the good future. Having those memories help me balance the sadness and questioning I feel facing the loss of her at this time.
James Coleman less