Dorothy Jean (Chatfield) Ernst, 90, formerly of Coldwater, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Swanton Valley Health Care in Swanton, OH.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. A burial of ashes will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
The family will receive guests for visitation that morning from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
She was born January 1, 1934 to Albert and Mary (Latta) Chatfield in Coldwater, MI. Dorothy graduated from Coldwater High School with the class of 1952. She married Francis A. “Frank” Ernst on February 27, 1954 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Coldwater and he preceded her in death January 28, 2004.
Dorothy was a member of the Daughters of the Revolution and had played on several bowling leagues for many years. Dorothy and Frank diligently served Branch County as business owners where they owned and operated the Dog ‘n’ Suds Drive-In and the Dairy Treat during the 1970’s and 1980’s. They also owned and operated three shoe stores in Coldwater, MI, Auburn, IN, and Kendallville, IN before ultimately retiring.
In addition to bowling, Dorothy found her joys in genealogy, bingo, square dancing, and was known to be a fierce competitor at playing cards and board games. Dorothy will be dearly missed as a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many.
Dorothy leaves behind her children Michael (Susan) Ernst of Adrian, MI, Richard (Debbie) Ernst of Angola, IN, Debra (John) Roberts of Wakefield, MI, Mary (Corwyn) Kuipers of Grand Rapids, MI; her daughter-in-law Karen Ernst of Addison, MI; her grandchildren and great grandchildren Tasha (Steven) Rogowski and their children Alaina, Quinn Rogowski; Toby (Shantay) Ernst and their children Devon Roberts, Ciara Ernst; Jeremy (Jordan) Ernst and their children Averie, Isabel Ernst; Steven Ernst; Robert (Nikki) Ernst and their children Mea Ernst-Dorer, Sydney, Juniper Ernst; Timothy (Emily) Ernst and their child Sophia Ernst; Bryan Ernst; Brady Ernst; Corey Kuipers; Courtney Kuipers and her many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Frank, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her sons Francis “Skip” Ernst, Jr. and David Ernst, and her brothers Kenneth, Carl, and DeWayne Chatfield.
Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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