Erika was born August 13, 1945 in Germany, a daughter of Nikodemus and Katherina Zerr Steckler. She attended schools in Germany and became a citizen of the United States of America in 1965.

Erika was a graduate of a cosmetology school in Sharon and worked as a cosmetologist at the J. C. Penney Styling Salon in the Shenango Valley Mall, Hermitage, for 13 years.

In 1985 she moved to Louisville and graduated from Sullivan College, with an A.S. Degree in Traveling and Tourism.

She was employed by the Kentucky State Prison System for 21 years as an Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain and retired as an administrator in 2009.

She moved back to the Shenango Valley in 2009 and was a member of St. Anthony's Church, Sharon.

Surviving are: a daughter, Christina Gelesky and her companion Michael Crawford, Harmony, PA; two sons, Peter Rueberger, Hermitage; and Rev. Rick Rueberger, Dcn. and his wife Linda, Sharon; two sisters, Ludmilla "Emily" Fellner, Sharpsville; and Rosemary Rueberger, Hermitage; a brother, Alexander Steckler and his wife Anna, Germany; eight grandchildren, Ryan and Kyle Gelesky; Leah Crawford; Katrina & Elisabeth Rueberger; and Anna, Mark, Rebecca and Luke Rueberger; and great-grandchildren, Landon, Rhyee and Joey

In addition to her parents, Erika was preceded in death by a sister, Elisabeth Fischer; and a daughter-in-law, Cathy Rueberger.

There are no calling hours.