Erika Len Cochrum, nee Thompson, age 32, of O'Fallon, Ill., loving mother, daughter, sister and soldier passed away on September 3, 2023.

Erika grew up in an Air Force family, attended several schools as a youngster, and graduated from O'Fallon Township High School in 2009. She attended Southwestern Illinois College, earned her AAS in Paralegal Studies, and received the Elizabeth Jeanne Dibble Paralegal Student of the Year Award. She was currently continuing her education at Webster University. Erika was employed as a Paralegal Assistant intern at The Army Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) at Scott AFB. In 2019, she enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard. She attended Army Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. She completed AIT, Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Lee, Va., where she earned the Marksmanship badge. She was assigned to Forward Support Company (FSC), 123rd Engineer Battalion, Murphysboro, Ill. National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Erika is the mother of three beautiful children, Oliver, Evelyn, and Alexander. She will be deeply missed by her parents David and Denise Thompson; brothers Kurtis Thompson and Nick Thompson; her grandparents, extended family members in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and fellow military family; as well as all her fur babies.

Erika was a devoted Mom, a patriotic soldier, an avid reader, animal rescue extraordinaire, and loved horses. In her youth she participated in Girl Scouts, earning the Silver Award, Junior ROTC at OTHS, took equestrian and western riding lessons. She enjoyed traveling and was comfortable with a long drive for an adventure. She loved Gilmore Girls and especially Harry Potter.

Erika was born in Albuquerque, N.M. After her dad returned from Desert Storm, she moved with her family to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, then to Battle Creek, Mich. for a short time, then to Scott Air Force Base, and grew up primarily in O'Fallon.

In memory of Erika, donations are suggested to Erika's family (David Thompson) for the benefit of her children, or to Spencer Kennel (for their pet food pantry) in O'Fallon.

The family will receive friends after 5 pm, Friday, September 8, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, followed by a brief service to begin at 7 pm, which will include military honors. Burial services will be held privately with the family at O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, Ill.