Erika B. Abbott

Erika B. Abbott, 76, of New Castle, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in Heritage House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, following an extended illness. She was born July 12, 1940 in Olmütz, Czechoslovakia, a daughter of the late Franz and Franziska (Fröhlich) Schreiber.

After graduating high school in Egelsbach, Germany, Erika met and married Ronald Abbott, a young airman serving with the U.S. Air Force. Born to them, there in Germany, were their eldest children, Jeff and Tom. They then moved to Minot, ND, where Marian was born, and then to Colorado Springs, Co, where Cindy was born. After moving back to Henry County, where Ronald was from, Erika worked at Brooks Foods in Mt. Summit and Master Brand Cabinets, while raising her family. She loved gardening, especially flowers, bird-watching, especially hummingbirds, sewing and doll making. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Mooreland, where she also participated in the Women’s group.

In 2012 in Italy, Erika and her friend Ingrid were on the Costa Concordia cruise ship that capsized and sank. She was thankful to God for letting her live through the terrible ordeal. She and Ingrid traveled many places together.

She is survived by her children, Tom (Lori) Abbott of Danville; Marian (Evan) Lawton of Congerville, IL; and Cindy (Rusty) Hirst of Sulphur Springs; grandchildren, Christopher Abbott of New Castle, Jason (Tiffany) Abbott of Middletown, Ashleigh (Kyle) Hadfield of Eureka, IL, Heidi Abbott of Texas, Larrissa (Matt) Bingham of Coatesville, Derrick (Sami) Moistner of Middletown, Justin Abbott of Danville, and Jacob (Kyle Hagemeier) Moistner of Brooklyn, NY; several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Abbott in 2009, a son, Jeff Abbott; two sisters, Hilda and Trudie; and three brothers, Fred, Sigmund, and Dolf Schreiber.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Nathan Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Summit Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of services on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, 5250 Vogel Rd., Evansville, IN 47715. You may share a condolence or memory of Erika at www.hinsey-brown.com .