LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — We are heartbroken to inform our family and friends about the loss of our beloved wife and mother, Jeannie Ernst.

Jeannie, and her husband, Michael Ernst, celebrated their 63rd anniversary this year and have lived in Lake County since 1970.

Jeannie was a happy, loving mother that centered on the needs of children as her life’s work. She enjoyed being outside and being surrounded by her family was her joy.

She obtained a degree, later in life, and she loved working with people. When she lived in San Francisco as a young mother and wife, she was like a second mom to many children living in public housing, taking them to church, field trips to parks and museums and baking cookies.

She enjoyed cooking and baking, freezing and canning. She was a superb seamstress and made dresses.

When she moved to Lake County, she volunteered at Big Valley Head Start for preschool age children. She worked for North Coast Opportunities and traveled around Northern California and to the State Capitol advocating for children (even with her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.)

Jeannie outlived her illnesses. She had the diagnosis at 30, but always felt it wouldn’t get the best of her.

Jeannie had a great passion for health and gardening. In her 40s and 50s she was outdoors. She loved gardening and landscaping. Planting flowers around the county at local businesses.

Into her late 70s and 80s, she was loving being a great-grandmother and grandma. To her great grandchildren she was “Grammy Jeannie.” Even with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, she was able to remember everyone.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Ernst; daughters, Julie and Peggy; and son, Michael; four grandchildren, Janelle, Jonathan, Xavier and Sarah; and five great-grandchildren.

Her kind, caring, loving energy will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace, beloved.

An open service will be held at St. Peter’s in Kelseyville on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 at noon. All are welcome and a celebration of life will be late summer and will be announced.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.