Erika went home to be with the Lord in the early morning of December 27^th 2016. She was 51 years old. Erika was born in Hanu Germany on September 10^th 1965. She was adopted at a young age.  She was raised in Hawaii and then moved to Portland, Oregon.

Erika enjoyed writing in her journals, karaoke, playing with her pets, and she enjoyed praise and worship at church, uplifting people with humor and Gods word. Most all she enjoyed a good ol potluck and fellowship. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She enjoyed visiting the beach whenever she could and thrived on laughter and good company and was loved by many.

She accomplished getting her GED and later on working for Portland Rescue Mission. From there she then got into the health care field and was a caregiver for 6 years and also worked in a transitional program as a mentor.

Erika is survived by her husband Jeremy Chowning and her two children Donovan Etzel and Jenna Etzel and her extended family and friends.