Maxine Ernst

Baptized in the wood church, confirmed in the brick church and buried from the stone church, it was easy to see why Maxine Ernst lived her life in devotion to her faith. Determined and independent, she was a gracious and humble woman just the same who selflessly gave from the heart. With her steadfast and loving nature, Maxine was an integral part of the family she so dearly loved and a respected mainstay in the lives of her church family who will remember her fondly.

Maxine's story began in the year 1919. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President and the 18th Amendment to the Constitution was established, prohibiting the sale of alcohol anywhere in the U.S. The dial telephone was introduced and the pogo stick was the favorite of neighborhood children everywhere. With the end of World War I, Americans from coast to coast were looking for ways to prosper in the midst of a booming, post-war economy. Nestled in the rural community of Bengal Township, Michigan, far removed from the bustling world around them, William F. and Elvira E. (Bearndt) Ernst welcomed the birth of their baby girl, Maxine on May 31, 1919.

Born on her family's centennial farm on Wacousta Road, it became the place Maxine called home and treasured all of her life. An only child, her father was a hardworking farmer while her mother looked after Maxine and their home. When she was two years old Maxine excitedly welcomed her little cousin Bill when he came to live with them following the death of his mother. Close in age, the Ernst family took him in as their own and from then on Maxine had a brother of her own to love. Faith was an important part of Maxine's upbringing and together as a family they were devoted, lifelong members of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

When the Great Depression took hold a life of hardship ensued for everyone. Life as many knew it changed dramatically, especially for those like the Ernst family whose livelihood was dependent on farming. Indeed a troubling time, Maxine carried these experiences faced during her formative years with her for many years to come. Through the years Maxine's grandparents lived with her family from time to time which she thoroughly enjoyed. This time with them taught Maxine much and gave her a loving insight into understanding older people. Along with many canine companions on the farm, Maxine often helped on the farm and learned the drive the big tractor which was ironic since she never even acquired a driver's license until the age of 50!

Boak Country School provided Maxine with education through the eighth grade and unlike many during the Depression, she was blessed to move on to Fowler High School. Maxine excelled in her studies and proved to be a very good student. She was a member of the State Champion Debate Team and also participated in many school dramas. After high school Maxine continued to live at home with her parents and worked there except for a brief time during World War II when she worked in an Ionia factory.

Maxine devoted much of her time to her church where she was very involved. Her love for the Lord was evident and for 27 years her love for little ones shone bright as well teaching Sunday school. Very active with the Ladies Aide Society, she also headed up the annual bizarre held at church every year. In time she took a job at the A.S.C., the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service office in St. Johns where she worked with farmers concerning their plots, soil and crops. She remained there as the office manager for over 25 years as a dedicated employee.

As her parents aged Maxine was a blessing caring for them. She enjoyed cooking and in her free time she loved crocheting and knitting. Although she was known to be frugal, she also had a generous and giving heart, and many of the items she made were lovingly given as gifts over the years. Thoughtful and kind, she never hesitated sharing with others. She had a knack for being organized, and was in fact quite meticulous in this area, even labeling and cataloging her trinkets. She also had a love for travel and together with two cousins she traveled across the U.S. A whitewater rafting trip in Colorado provided her with an experience of a lifetime she truly cherished.

Maxine never needed or required much. Other than her antiques, "things" simply weren't important to her, except a love of shoes. They were the one thing she indulged upon since during the Depression there was no money to buy shoes A good joke was always welcome in her company and she enjoyed quiet time reading. She spent many hours tending to her flower garden enjoying their beauty and continued to love the many children in her life as well as animals that came her way. Wherever she went and whatever she did, Maxine had a way of impacting the lives of others. Her love of life was contagious and she touched many with her tender heart. She faithfully wrote to friends and family, and during war she made it a point to write veterans who were far from home.

Throughout her life Maxine suffered various physical challenges but was always determined in her recovery. She remained sharp and was blessed with a keen memory until the last of her days. A very determined and independent woman, she was gracious and humble in all she did and was a loving example to her family who will sorely miss her encouraging smile.

At the age of 91, Maxine A. Ernst died on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents; foster brother, William S. Ernst; foster nephew, William K. Ernst. She is survived by her foster sister-in-law, Margaret E. Ernst of Sharon, Wisconsin; three foster nephews: Robert K. Ernst of Bellevue, Ronald A. Ernst of Battle Creek, Karl F. (Barbara) Ernst of Siler City, North Carolina; two foster nieces, Katherine E. (Dale) Blanchard of Sharon, Wisconsin, Karen L. Heath of St. Joseph; several cousins and many friends.

Funeral Services for Maxine will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 4, 2011 at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Fowler with Pastor Paul Clark officiating. Burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Her family will receive friends Sunday, April 3, 1-6 PM at the George Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hazel Findlay Manor or to the Sparrow Clinton Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Maxine or to sign her online guest book.