Obituary of Lillian Ernst

Lillian Ernst, very beloved and loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, passed away on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024 at home in Monticello surrounded by her family.  Lillian was the widow of Otto “Sonny” Ernst who predeceased her just a few weeks ago on April 15, 2024.  She was the daughter of the late Claude and Edith Messenger, of Monticello, and she was 90.

Lillian was a retired Village of Monticello employee and a valued member of the former Monticello Volunteer Ambulance Corp. She received numerous plaques and accolades for her tireless devotion to assist those in need.  She was a member of the Nazarene Church in Rock Hill.  Family was extremely important to her, and Sundays were a day for morning church services and afterwards, family get together luncheons and barbecues.  Lilly enjoyed planting and nurturing her flowers, she enjoyed nature and watching the birds who came to their feeder (the cardinals especially) and the deer who wandered across the lawn.  As everyone knew, Lilly always brought her camera to every event, barbecue, holiday or party! Christmas was her favorite holiday.  From writing out their Christmas cards to shopping to decorating and wrapping, she loved all aspects.  Lillian was a giver and it gave her great pleasure to watch her family unwrap their gifts while hers piled up next to her.

Lillian is survived by her children: Margaret (Peggy) Edwards of Monticello, Janie Ernst of Milton, DE, Sue Ernst Jahn of Monticello, and William Ernst of Katy, TX; and her son-in-law, Thomas Edwards; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother LeRoy Messenger, a sister Nancy Messenger; sisters-in-law Linda Messenger, Joan Allison, and Grace Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers: Claude and Howard Messenger; and a sister Ella Price.

Graveside services and burial will be held on Thursday, May 30th at 1:00pm at the Messenger Cemetery, Southwoods Drive in Monticello.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello.  For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com