Live Stream Link – St. John’s Lutheran Church
Mait Birgitt Erickson Board died in the early morning hours of December 10, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Montana as a result of kidney failure. She was 84 years old.
Mait was born February 10, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the second child of Knut Gottfried and Aina Frideborg Linnea Erickson (Andersson). In her youth, she enjoyed spending time outdoors with her sister and their dog; sunbathing, swimming, and playing with her neighborhood friends.
Growing up she excelled in academics. After graduating high school, she attended Bethany Lutheran College, graduating summa cum laude. She continued her education at the University of Wyoming where she received her master’s in American Studies. She also attended the University of Kansas where she began her doctoral studies in English. During her collegiate career she was president of Beta Tau Sigma scholastic honorary, a member of Sigma Phi Omega sorority and Gold Key, national women’s honorary, and she was listed in the “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities”. She was brilliant and driven.
In 1963, while attending The University of Wyoming, Mait met John and in 1965 they married in Mission Hills, Kansas. After marrying, they moved to Great Falls, Montana where Mait attended the University of Great Falls to obtain her teaching credentials. In 1966, Mait and John spent the summer at the Library of Congress researching Jeanette Rankin. Later, in 1967, Mait taught English at Hellgate High School in Missoula.
The couple returned to Great Falls and started their family. In 1970, John-David Hicks Board was born followed by Andrew Erickson Cox Board in 1972. She was a devoted and loving mother to her two boys.
In 1980, the family moved to Helena during which time Mait served as a proofreader for the Montana Legislative Council. Four years later the Boards moved to Portland, Connecticut where Mait completed the paralegal program at Hartford College for Women and served as a paralegal in Middletown. While in Connecticut, Mait was the president of the Greater Middletown League of Women voters.
In 1996, Mait and John returned to Helena where Mait worked for the Dennis Loveless Law Firm until her retirement in 2006. Mait continued her lifelong dedication to the Lutheran Church, being active in numerous church groups, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and serving as a member of various church committees. She went on missions to both Latin American and Mexico and attended other National Lutheran women’s programs.
Mait was in service to her community in many capacities. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, an election judge, and always found ways to lift up those in need. In her leisure time, she was an avid reader and belonged to numerous book clubs. Mait was very active and enjoyed walking with friends, swimming, and kettlebells. She loved a good game of Trivial Pursuit (always winning), played Words with Friends online, and never missed a chance to play Bunco with friends.
Mait’s list of dear friends is long. They knew her to be kind, humble, and compassionate. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and laughter. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she embodied a welcoming spirit where everyone was just a “friend you haven’t met yet”.
A memorial service in celebration of her life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 from St. John’s Lutheran Church; 1000 Helena Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the church. A private placement of her cremated remains will take place in the spring in the columbarium niche at Forestvale Cemetery.
Mait was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband John, her sister Ruth Ostlind, her two children John-David and Andrew, her grandchildren Nicholas and Haylan, and her daughter-in-law Stephanie.
Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana at 11:00 am, Friday, December 19, 2025. Mait will be interred at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena, Montana at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church in care of Bob’s Pantry at Helena Middle School for children facing food insecurity.
Special thanks to the staff of St Peter’s Hospital in Helena and St Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, and all the friends who sent condolences, food, and additional support.
Please send condolences and personal comments to www.aswfuneralhome.com.
A live stream of the service can be found on YouTube via St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Helena, Montana.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 19, 2025
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Service
Friday December 19, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 19, 2025
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Service
Friday December 19, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Share
Dave Rye says
John, I didn’t know of Mait’s passing when I just mailed you and her a Christmas card and letter. I am so sorry to learn of it. She was your partner in life through many years, and at several locations. You have my deepest sympathies, and of course my prayers.
Kristi Paulsen says
John and family, we are so sorry to hear about Mait. She was always so sweet and easy to visit with. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God’s peace to you at this time. Lee and Kristi Paulsen and family
Patricia Rosenleaf says
Dear John, I was so sorry to hear of Mait’s passing. She was a real influence in my life as an English teacher mentor. I will always remember her lessons in things I should have known but didn’t. She was a bright spot at WJH back when I first started teaching. It sounds as if she led a wonderful and full life these past ( can it be that long ago?) almost 60 years. I know she made a difference in many people’s lives. How else to measure one’s worth?
Jim OBrien says
John,
I am so sorry to learn of Mait’s passing. She was your wife, best friend and life partner. I feel deeply for you.
Gloria Lannen says
Mait was such a knowledgeable & wonderful friend . We met thru the Lutheran Women’s org. WELCA. We had wonderful times together at meetings & as we traveled to Bolivia. The board meetings were the best! She was a Woman of God! Luv to the family. Gloria Lannen , former SWO Pres.
jeff platisha says
Mr John Board,
So sorry for your loss.
Betty Jo Monroe says
John
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You were so kind to remember us when we lost our parents so many years after seeing you. Our first encounter with you was in junior high where we were lucky to have Mr. Board for class. My career in teaching was formed early with important influencers like you along the way. Then we met your Mait much later. Our sincerest sympathy to you.
BettyJo Osweiler Monroe
Lyn Walker says
I was so fortunate to have been part of the Bunco group for a few years. Mait was such a warm, wonderful person and I was absolutely blessed to have known her and experience her kindness, her sense of humor and her amazing cooking. She gave me my first sourdough starter =) Sending love and blessings to her family and the many dear friends she had.
Paul Stahl says
John, so sorry for your loss.
Merlyn Huso says
John:
So sorry to learn of Maits passing. You were a significant benefactor of her life as we all have aged. My most sincere sympathy to you and your family. Merlyn
Gloria Johnson says
John,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Mait at church women’s gatherings and always enjoyed visiting with her.
Sharon Styba says
Mait was a beautiful woman inside and out. She would make my heart smile everytime I saw her at St. John’s (and around town). I loved her infectious laugh and will miss her dearly.
Tom Albrecht says
So sorry to hear about Mait, John. Thinking about you and yours at this sad time.
Karen (Kay) Augspurger says
Mait was a dear friend during our days at Bethany. So sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed by many. Sending my deepest sympathy to all of you 🙏
John Payne says
John,so sorry old friend. Hugs and love She was quite the lady and took really good care of you and family. I will miss our visits and cookies. Peace to you from a MFP friend
Erika Lovelien says
A kind and welcoming woman who brought two of my dearest friends into this world. Maite’s rye bread was second to none. A great loss to all whose lives she touched.
Louise Glimm says
Mait was a wonderful dedicated servant of her Lord. I was privileged to serve with her on the MT board of women’s of the ELCA. I cherished her friendship. We shared book titles at Christmas and she remembered my birthday Dec 8 this year. May God comfort her family.
Member BRANDT says
Mait was an awesome Women of
the WELCA in Montana. Thank you for your welcoming me to your great state. Former board Secretary of the Churchwide women of the ELCA. Betty Brandt of Minnesota
David and Marie Hartman says
We have lost a dear friend. Mait possessed an innate goodness that blessed all who knew her. We are better people because of her friendship.
Nancy Walter says
Mait was one of the the most faithful, loving, and honest persons I’ve ever known. Also one of the cleanest—literally. Her house was immaculate, always. And her personal style matched her values—straight-up, conservative yet liberal in how she appreciated people and their differences. She also had a great sense of humor. Laughter, and a trigger-sharp mind, were two of her best features. I loved Mait and will forever be grateful for our friendship.