Iris Joan Eriksen, lovingly known to all as “Memaw,” passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on December 27, 1932, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, she lived a long, full life defined by love, resilience, and devotion to family.

Memaw spent the majority of her life in Illinois, where she raised her children and built a legacy rooted in strength and compassion. Later in life, she moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas, to be near her beloved Bawbaw after her husband’s retirement. No matter where she lived, her home was always a place of warmth, stories, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her son, Danny Whaley and his wife Linda Webb; her daughter, Renee Skaggs; her cherished grandchildren, Lisa (Bob) Gilbert, Kimberly Dicks, Laura and Eric Valdes; her great-grandchildren, Joshua (Keturah) Dicks, Cody Gilbert, Shane (Irene) Gilbert, Sadie Yeager, Chad Gilbert, and Dakota (Kayla) Dicks; and her great-great-grandchildren, Shane, Tylor, Jayden, Brianna, Erik, Salena, Jaxson, CJ, and Dorothy Gilbert, Cassidy, Kevin, and Beau Sanders, and Carter, Dominik, Deziray, Daylin Dicks, Arabella and Angelo Gracia, Roman, Naliece, and Reign Prince.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Eriksen; her parents, Troy Hamblen and Lela Border; and her great-great-grandson, RJ Gilbert.

Memaw was the heart of her family. She not only raised her own children, Danny and Renee, but also helped raise her grandchildren and several of her great-grandchildren, shaping generations with her guidance, strength, and unwavering love. She had a special place in her heart for children and gave freely of her time, wisdom, and care to anyone who needed it.

A hardworking, headstrong, and determined woman, Memaw faced life with grit and grace. Once she set her mind to something, there was no stopping her. She delighted in sharing stories of her life, reflecting on how much the world had changed over the decades, and leaving her listeners both entertained and inspired.

Her compassion extended beyond people-she never saw a stray animal, only one in need of love. That same kindness defined her relationships and the countless lives she touched.

Memaw’s legacy is one of strength, generosity, and deep, abiding love. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she has earned her angel wings and is now at peace.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. A Funeral Service for Iris will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ty Cotter officiating. Burial will be in the Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, Arkansas, with Joshua Dicks, Dakota Dicks, Bob Gilbert, Cody Gilbert, Dominik Dicks, and Danny Whaley as pallbearers.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.