MANTIE L. ERNST

Mantie Louise Ernst, age 82, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 at her home.Born on June 12, 1929 in Eolia, KY, she was the daughter of J. Ballard and Hila (Branson) Collier.

She grew in Eolia and came to Columbia City in 1962. On November 24, 1967 she married Howard A. Ernst in Columbia City.She worked at Essex from 1976-79 and 1989-90, Addimeyers for 3 years and also was a homemaker.She was a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church for the past 20 years.

Survivors include her husband, Howard A. Ernst of Columbia City; 4 children, Gary (Kathy) Kilbourne, Pierceton,Patricia Smith, Delmar Anthony Elswick and David Howard (Cindy) Ernst all of Columbia City; 2 step daughters, Judy (Guy) Kesling of Columbia City and Susie Nicholson, Albion ; 19 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; 1 brother, Roy (Mildred "Midge") Collier of Larwill and 1 sister, Lydia Kaminski of Columbia City. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Riley Edward, Forester, Leonard, Vincent "Lonnie" and Clayton Collier in infancy and 1 sister, Stacy Holcomb.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City and after 10:00 am on Wednesday at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, SR 109, Columbia City, with funeral service at 11:00 at the church.Pastors Steve Patrick and Pat Smith, will be officiating. Burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.