Lortha Dean Eriksen

Lortha Dean (Adkins) Eriksen, 87, of Sacramento, California passed away on 06/29/2021 after a late stage ovarian cancer diagnosis. She spent her last days at her daughter’s home with her closest family. Lortha was born to parents William and Melba Adkins on July 12, 1933 in Texas. She graduated from Cumby High School in 1950 and was honored as Valedictorian of her class. Shortly out of high school, Lortha married Jay Baker, moved to Southern California, and they had a son, Jesse 'Butch' Baker. A few years later, Lortha’s youngest sibling, her brother Michael Adkins around the age of 5, moved in with their family, and she raised Michael and Jesse together. Jesse gave Lortha two grandchildren: Chris and Jessica Baker, and Michael had a son, Brett Adkins. In January 1970, Lortha married her second husband, Karl Eriksen, with whom she had a daughter, Karla. She was lucky enough to live within a block of her little sister, Lea ‘Jean’ Presley, in Fountain Valley. The sisters were best friends and were able to raise their children, Karla Eriksen and Keith & Kevin Presley, together. Karla married Josh Hurd in 2000, and in 2005, Lortha moved up to the Sacramento area to be closer to her daughter’s growing family. Karla and Josh gave her three grandchildren: Griffin, Paxton & Daphne Hurd. In her younger years, Lortha enjoyed sewing, golfing, bowling and long luncheons with friends. Lortha was a devoted mother and grandmother, and a selfless, loyal friend. Her smile brightened the room, and her kindness touched many hearts in her lifetime. She was active in the church and had a very strong relationship with God. Lortha is survived by her daughter, Karla Eriksen Hurd; her grandchildren:Chris Baker and Griffin, Paxton & Daphne Hurd; and her nephews: Brett Adkins, Ronnie & Jason Adkins, and Keith & Kevin Presley. Lortha was preceded in death by parents William and Melba Adkins; all siblings: Henry, Aubrey 'Slim', Michael Adkins and Lea 'Jean' Presley; son Jesse 'Butch' Baker; and granddaughter Jessica Baker. A reception and Celebration of Life will be held at her daughter’s home at 1060 Los Molinos Way in Sacramento onSaturday, August 14thfrom 11am - 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OCRA - Ovarian Cancer Research Alliancehttps://give.ocrahope.org/fundraiser/3345159.