Erika Ward, 75

Erika Ella 'Mama' Ward, 75, our Oma, went home to be with the Lord on June 28, 2008, with her family by her side.

Erika was born Aug. 16, 1932 to parents Alfred Erich Liepe and Ella Maria Liepe in Berlin, Germany. She had one brother, Gunther Liepe.

After surviving World War II as a young girl, Erika came to the United States. Though her English was limited, she embraced her new homeland, and was very proud when she became a U.S. citizen in 1969.

Erika achieved her license in cosmetology back in Berlin, and after having settled with her husband, Harold Ward in Banning, Calif., she opened her own beauty salon, Erika's Kut and Kurl.

With their strong faith and love in God, and after becoming ordained ministers, together they built the Upper Room Holiness Mission on the Morongo Indian Reservation where they ministered for many years.

After being retired for a couple of years from their missionary life, Erika and Harold moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1994 where she opened Mama's Place Motel. She loved catering to her guests who would stay at Mama's Place and truly fell in love with Idaho.

In 2001, Erika was preceded in death by her loving husband. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her love for God. She was a beautiful inspiration to her family and will be truly missed.

Erika leaves behind her son, Siegfried Ward of California; her daughter, Veronika Ward of Nashville, Tenn.; her grandchildren, Jessika Alt (Patrick) of Bonners Ferry, Jacob Ward of Banning, Calif., Katarina Rice of Cathedral City, Calif., and David Ward of Banning Calif.; and six great-grandchildren, Zechariah Bracamontes, Savannah Alt, Erika Ward, Andrew Ward, Tobias Ward and Melena Velasquez.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Erika's caregiver Renata Herrera, who genuinely and tenderly cared for our Oma and made her last months of her life as comfortable as can be. Thank you.

A private service was held.

Family and friends are invited to sign Erika's book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com'

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.