Phyllis Erickson's co-workers wanted to honor her with a party for her retirement but they didn't want to see her leave.
Erickson was going to retire from her job as caretaker and teacher at Trinity Lutheran Child Care center but was talked into staying on a more limited basis. An open house will be held at Trinity Lutheran childcare center tonight and anyone who knows her from Trinity is invited.
"Phyllis is a real icon at Trinity," said director Donna Einspahr. "We're glad she'll still be here instead of retiring."
Erickson teaches kindergarten, first and second grade students in the childcare center after school. She said it's a great place to work.
"We have a nice playground and it's a great neighborhood for walks," she said. "Telling the children about Jesus, that's my goal."
Erickson has worked five days a week but will cut back her schedule at Trinity to two or three days a week. She plans to spend her extra time "volunteering somewhere" and doing some bowling.
"I have a 146 average but last week I had a 466 series - a 150 average," she said.
Erickson was a school teacher in her home town of Eagle Bend, Minn. She married Ernest Erickson, who was in the Air Force, and they lived in Kansas, South Dakota, England and Fallon.
The Ericksons moved to Gardnerville in 1993 and became involved with Trinity Lutheran Church.
Erickson's husband of 52 and a half years died Jan. 31. She has a daughter and son-in-law in Carson City, a son in Sacramento, a daughter and son-in-law in San Diego and six granddaughters.
The celebration tonight is for people who may have had "Miss Phyllis" as a teacher.
"I still see so many children that I used to teach," said Erickson. "I ask, 'Are you so-and-so?' and they say, 'Yes, Miss Phyllis.'"
Co-worker Baker is Erickson's neighbor.
"I've known Phyllis for 10 years," said JoAnn Baker. "She has the biggest heart of anybody I know. Her one mission is to give a Bible story to the kids everyday. We would miss her but we're glad she'll still be here for awhile."
Trinity Lutheran Child Care center is at 1480 Douglas Ave. The reception is from 5-6 p.m. tonight. For information, call 782-5437.
