Kjerstin Lee Erickson West

Kjerstin Lee West, 43, passed away after suffering a catastrophic stroke on November 17, 2024, incidental to her SLE Lupus. She never regained consciousness, but waited for her family to arrive before life support was removed on November 21, 2024.

Kjerstin was born in Pasadena, CA, early in the morning … and (appropriately) not far from the Tournament of Roses Parade route … on March 26, 1981. Even her learned Doctors and Nurses had trouble pronouncing her Swedish name – calling her “Kuh-jer-stun”, rather than “Share-stin”. Teaching people how to say her name was a lifelong thing. Many opted for “KJ”.

In late 1982, the Erickson family moved to Farmington, UT and built a new home on the side of the mountain. That home is just 3 blocks from where Kjerstin will be laid to rest. It was in that basement where she and older brother, Tyler, were playing with Dad’s folding camping cot as a “slide”. Kjerstin’s finger was caught and severely mangled in the metal when the cot collapsed. Fortunately, she was treated, the nerves were saved, and she went on to become a talented Pianist, and also played the Oboe, Bassoon, and Flute.

The Ericksons moved to Lewisville, TX in 1985. Kjerstin attended Grades 1-5, she acquired an excellent “Southern / Dallas, Texas” accent and had many friends at school and at Church. She started Dance Lessons and performed on stage – Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical. Purchasing her first pair of Pointe shows was a big deal. Tyler, Kjerstin, Whitney and Kyle were together on stage in the cast of The Nutcracker.

Kjerstin has beautiful penmanship, which is identical to her Mother Robin’s. She was a prolific book reader; multiple genres. She learned and studied the Gospel of Jesus Christ at home with her parents, on her own, and with teachers in the Grapevine, TX Ward and the Medina, OH Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Kjerstin LOVED to sing. All genres were in her repertoire – Popular, Oldies, Classics, Broadway, Hymns, Christian. Her Operatic arias were attention getters. Kjerstin LOVED to have FUN and to be socializing with her family and friends. She has a trail of friends across the USA.

In January 1993, the Ericksons moved to Medina, OH (30 miles SW of Cleveland). Idyllic Medina was our home for the next 22 years. Medina is a Community where people are welcoming, talented, loving, kind and helpful. Kjerstin interfaced with great educators, administrators and advisors in both Jr High and High School. She excelled academically and in music, including Marching Bands, School Orchestras, Pit Orchestras, Multiple Choirs, School and City Musicals, and Show Choir. Kjerstin loved Broadway Musicals in NYC and had multiple trips to the Big City and to Cleveland to see Touring Broadway productions. She saw “Ragtime” in NYC and had an enormous crush on Brian Stokes Mitchell. At Medina High School, Kjerstin was in “South Pacific”, “Carousel”, and she had the female Lead as “Marian the Librarian” in “Music Man” as a Senior.

After High School graduation in Medina, Kjerstin attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University – Idaho, where she graduated with an Associates Degree and then a BS in Elementary Education degree in 2004. She was a licensed Primary School Educator with a Music Education Endorsement in the State of Nevada, teaching 5th Grade on Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV for 10 years. Kjerstin was a Math Aide and then an online tutor and Substitute Teacher at Leadership Academy of Nevada. She was also a Vocal Music Teacher at Dahl Studios. Kjerstin taught private Piano lessons for more than 10 years.

Kjerstin demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, was disciplined, confident, organized and efficient, resolved challenges and maximized resources.

While at College, at age 19, Kjerstin noticed she was especially tired. After trips to the Doctors and to Hospitals for biopsies, she was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus). This autoimmune disease plagued her for the remainder of her life (kidneys, circulatory system, vasculitis, lungs, skin, blood clots), and ultimately played a role in her cause of death at just age 43.

Kjerstin was single and at age 23 attended a Church congregation in Las Vegas with others who were single. She made many long-time friends. She also met Steve West; they dated and fell in love. Steve and Kjerstin were married in the Manti Utah Temple on August 13, 2008. They braved their way together through 3 Very High Risk pregnancies and the premature births of their 3 boys, Asa (2013), Calvin (2014), and Grant (2018). Kjerstin LOVES her boys !!!

Kjerstin’s faith was central to her actions. She served in various Church callings, teaching children, youth, and adults. She shared her musical talents as a Pianist, a Vocalist and as an Organist. She was an Ordinance Worker at the Las Vegas, NV Temple.

Kjerstin is survived by her husband, Stephen Asa West; her 3 boys – Asa (11), Calvin (10) and Grant (6); her parents – Kenneth and Robin Erickson (of Farmington, UT); her siblings – Tyler (Jennifer) Erickson (of Farmington, UT), Kyle (Jessica) Erickson (of Rocklin, CA), Whitney Erickson (Bre McGarry) (of Federal Way, WA), and Emily (Micah) Massey (of Caldwell, ID).

Kjerstin’s legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to inspire and guide her family for generations. She will be remembered not only for her devoted service to her family and community, but also for the kindness and joy she brought to all those around her….. and her laugh. 

A Viewing will be held at 50 East Azure Ave., North Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 6 - 8 PM. A Viewing will be held at the same location on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 9 -11:30 AM, just prior to the Funeral services at 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Interment on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at the Farmington, UT Cemetery.