Erika Pauline Savala

Erika P. Savala, age 35, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Details for her Celebration of Life will be shared as soon as they are available. Cremation has taken place and Erika will later be laid to rest beside her beloved grandparents at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Erika’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com. Memorials may be made in care of the family and will be designated for her son, Holden Harshbarger’s, future educational needs.

Erika was born on May 27, 1990 (a day she made sure everyone knew about beginning May 1st), in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to JoAnn (Castaneda) and Espiririon Savala, Jr. She was raised with love and care by her parents and her Grandma Susie, as well as her Uncle Sam, who played an important role in her life.

As the baby of the family, Erika brought laughter, light, and joy to everyone around her. She was known for her humorous spirit and contagious laugh and was lovingly known to many as “Nana” or “Nana Bear.”

She shared a close and loving bond with her three sisters: Charissa, Daniell, and Allie. The four of them were inseparable while growing up and shared a deep love for one another that remained strong throughout their lives.

Above all else, Erika was a devoted mother to her beloved son, Holden Harshbarger, who was the greatest joy of her life. She adored him deeply, and her love for him was unconditional and unwavering. Erika also shared her life with her partner, Joshua Harshbarger, the love of her life.

Erika attended Scottsbluff High School and worked for many years as a server, where she was well known and loved at Racks, Flyover, and Steel Grill. She had a creative soul and loved doing crafts, especially painting, decorating for holidays, and creating homemade gifts for the people she loved. Erika formed unique and lasting friendships beginning as early as grade school and was deeply protective of her family and friends.

She took great pride in being an aunt and cherished her nieces and nephews, always enjoying time spent with them and the special bonds they shared.

Erika will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to family, and the laughter she brought into the lives of those who knew her. Her memory will live on through her son, her sisters, her family, and all who loved her.

She is survived by her son, Holden Harshbarger; her partner, Joshua Harshbarger; her parents, JoAnn Castaneda and Espiririon Savala, Jr.; her in-laws, Karen and Joe Harshbarger; her sisters, Charissa (Travis) Gould, Daniell Savala (Greg Thompson), and Alexandria (Giovani) Mejia; and her nieces and nephews, Quinten, Solarah, Weston, Kaia, Zelie, Gavin, Aylah, Rylan, JJ, and Gianna, whom she loved dearly. Survivors also include her aunts and uncles, Sam (Mikki) Castaneda, Todd (Jane) Castaneda, Daniel (Shree) Castaneda, Lupe (Dianne) Sandoval, Lou (Lynn) Savala, Bonnie (Michael) Williams, Ben (Paul) Savala, Adam (Kim) Savala, and Francine Savala; her grandmother, Mikki Rodriguez; and numerous cousins.

Erika was preceded in death by her grandparents, Tony and Susie Castaneda.