Helen L. Ernst

Helen L. Ernst, 88, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at10:00 am Monday, July 25, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi with Rev. Augustin Kassa officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 2:45. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Helen was born March 31, 1928 in Ottawa, Illinois to Gustave and Anne (Green) Schwarzbach. She married George Ernst on May 16, 1959 at St. Francis of Assisi Church; he passed away November 21, 2013. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church. Helen enjoyed going to aerobics class and going out to lunch with her friends. She was often described as everyone's favorite aunt. Every weekend she would enjoy going to breakfast with her son-in-law and visiting with friends and family.

She is survived by Kathy (Rick) Burress of Marseilles, Karen Burress of Ottawa, and Jennifer (Ron) Haage of Ottawa; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and one brother, William Schwarzbach.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband George; and three siblings, Betty Vicini, Rosemary Nagle, and Dick Schwarzbach.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Church.