ELEANOR JANE ERNEST

Eleanor "Ellie" Jane Ernest, age 92, of Dalton, NE passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at her home in Dalton. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dalton with Father Tim Stoner officiating. Interment followed at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Dalton, NE. Memorials may be given to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dalton Fire Department or Mintken-Davison American Legion Post #301 – Sons of the American Legion.

You may view Ellie's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Ellie's care and funeral arrangements.

Eleanor Jane Beyer was born on November 6, 1932, at her grandparents' home northwest of Sidney to Willis F. and Sylvia M. (Bayne) Beyer. She was the eldest of eight children. Ellie was baptized and confirmed at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sidney. She grew up in the Sidney and Dalton areas, attending various country schools and Dalton High School until she boarded at the St. Agnes Academy in Alliance, NE. She graduated in 1951. After graduation, she worked at the Dalton Telephone Company for C.J. and Mattie Carley.

On September 18, 1954, she married Robert James Ernest at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dalton. They lived in town for a short while before moving to their farm east of Dalton, starting 44 years of happily married life. They were blessed with seven children. Ellie and Bob took great enjoyment in their family and many grandchildren that followed. Their home was the heart of the family, hosting countless Sunday get-togethers at the farm, along with holidays and birthdays.

Besides her family, Ellie's biggest enjoyment in life was gardening, growing beautiful flowers and canning vegetables and other produce. She also took great enjoyment in cooking and painting ceramics. A Christmas would not be complete without her cookies and fruitcake. Ellie was a very active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving as President of the Altar Society for many years, as well as teaching catechism. Ellie was a woman of great faith, and had a special devotion to the Rosary, praying it daily. She was also a 59-year member of the Mintken-Davison 301 Legion Auxiliary. After Bob's passing in 1998, she remained on the farm until she moved to town in 2000.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband Robert; parents Willis and Sylvia; 2 grandsons, Christopher Ahlm and Shane Ernest; daughter-in-law, Pamela Ernest; son-in-law, Rodney Ahlm; 6 brothers: Lawrence (Jean) Beyer, Willis Beyer, John Beyer, Robert (Patricia) Beyer, Fred (Sheila) Beyer, and Clifford Beyer; in-laws Richard (Phyllis) Ernest, Dominic (Phyllis) Ernest, Mary Lou (James) Richards, Raymond (Lyla) Ernest, Patrick Ernest, Cecilia (Paul) Anderson, and Dorothy (Albert) Fehringer.

Survivors include her children: Greg (Barb) Ernest, Brenda Ahlm, Barb Quinn and special friend Ivan Johnson, Bruce (Jenn) Ernest, Nancy (Mark) Wagoner, Colleen (John) Cruise, and Cindy (Earl) Reilly; 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; her sister Rita (Skeeter) Rains; and sisters-in-law Carol Beyer and Peggy Ernest; dear friend, Sue Tvrs, along with many nieces and nephews.

Ellie will be missed by her loving family and friends.