Elizabeth Jane 'Betty' Ernst

Elizabeth Jane "Betty" (Bowers) Ernst, 76, of South St., affectionately known as Boonvilleï¿(TM)s "Cookie Lady," passed away Wednesday June 6, 2007, at St. Elizabethï¿(TM)s Medical Center, Utica, after a short illness. A native of Rome, she was born on August 3, 1930, a daughter of William and Frieda Sattler Bowers. She grew up in Rome, where she received her education, graduating from Rome Free Academy with the Class of 1949. On August 11, 1951, Betty was united in marriage with Mitchel J. (Mike) Ernst, at St. Maryï¿(TM)s Church of Rome. After that the couple moved to Boonville. For many years Mrs. Ernst was employed as a cashier at Williamsonï¿(TM)s Foodland Market in Boonville, and she also worked in the Boonville Central School cafeteria. Mr. Ernst, an employee of Boonville Municipal Commission, died on June 18, 2001. Mrs. Ernst was a member of St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church, Boonville. For many years she was the troop leader of Girl Scout Troop # 477, and she also participated in Boonvilleï¿(TM)s "Miniature Fair." An avid bowler, Betty participated in many bowling leagues, and in 1991, she founded the senior citizens bowling league in Boonville. She was a member of the Boonville Bowling Association, Young At Heart Senior Citizens of Boonville, the Constableville Senior Citizens, a Past President and member of Charles J. Love Post # 406 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of Harland J. Hennessey Post 5538 V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, both of Boonville. Betty greatly enjoyed playing cards, bingo, cooking and baking. She will be fondly remembered for the Christmas Cookies that she baked every year in large numbers, giving the cookies to friends and neighbors. She is survived by three daughters and sons in law: Frieda (Fritz) M. and Kenneth Fitch, Avon Park, Fla., Elizabeth A. (Beth) and Mark Denslow, Boonville, Laurene A. (Laurie) and Keith DeGraaf, Grove City, PA., six grandchildren, Kerri, Marshall, Amanda Fitch, John Markham, Jared Markham, Derek DeGraaf, Megan DeGraaf, and one great granddaughter; Kaitlyn Marshall, three sisters; Evelyn Horn, Remsen, Emma Marsh, Stokes, Frieda Hickey, and husband, William, Rome, one brother, John (Jack) Bowers, Rome. She was predeceased by two daughters; Diane at birth, and Michele, at age twenty two months, two sisters Katherine Hoffmeister, Margaret Murphy, and by a brother, Paul Bowers. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church, Boonville, where Rev. Fr. Donald H. Karlen, pastor will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Josephï¿(TM)s Cemetery, Boonville. In keeping with her wishes there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judeï¿(TM)s Childrenï¿(TM)s Research Hospital 332 North Lauderdale St. Mailstop 505 Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.