Josephine M. Ernest's Obituary
Josephine Mae Blaha was born on May 4, 1920 in Mondridge, Kansas to Albina and James Blaha. The Blahas had eight children: Marie, Elsie, James, Anne, Josephine, Helen, Joseph and Irma.
The Blahas made their way west in the 30's and established their home in the Warren area. They were loggers.
Josie and James C. Ernest were married in 1950. They welcomed five children and raised them on the Ernest berry farm in Warren.
The family worked together on the farm and after harvest was complete they frequently set off on a vacation road trip to various sites in the West.
Josie felt most content after completing a good day's work. The highest compliment she could pay is "you are a hard worker." She gardened, shoveled and chopped wood well into her eighties and was always ready to tackle a chore.
Josie loved the beach and was a champion clam digger. She also loved hiking, camping, tending her garden and cooking for everyone. Her homemade cinnamon rolls, pickles, soups and apple pie were enjoyed by many. Josie truly enjoyed her grandkids. She was a "hands-on" grandma and spent many days tending to her grandchildren on the farm.
Josie passed away peacefully on June 15, 2012 at Meadow Park Care Center after a brief bout with pneumonia. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and many friends.
Josie was preceded in death by her husband Jim, who passed away in 1982. Her parents and six of her siblings also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Irma Abbott.
Josie's family includes son, James Ernest Mary, and daughters: Jan Ernest, Jean Anderson, Jackie Gardner Chris and Jessie Baldiviez Joe. She also has 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Josie greatly appreciated the St. Helens Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Center. All friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life at the St. Helens Senior Center on Saturday, June 30 from 12-3 PM.
Private family graveside service and interment was at Willamette National Cemetery.
On line condolences may be made to the family at www.columbiafh.com.
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