Marilyn Jean Ernst

Marilyn Jean Ernst, daughter of the late Lars Haakon Thoreson and Marmion Ida (Hewitt) Thoreson, was born September 14, 1934 in Ruthven, Iowa. She entered into the presence of Jesus on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 having attained the age of 88 years. As a young girl, Marilyn grew up in rural Ruthven and Emmetsburg, Iowa and graduated from Emmetsburg High School. She continued her education at Iowa State and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. Marilyn taught home economics until she retired in 1994. During the first part of her teaching career, she taught in Ruthven and Laurens, Iowa and while there a fellow teacher introduced her to a young man by the name of Richard “Dick” Philip Ernst. They began dating and were united in marriage on August 4, 1952 in Ruthven, Iowa. Marilyn and Dick were blessed with three sons: Randy, Scott, and David. In 1976, the family moved to the Waynesville, Missouri area and Marilyn began teaching in the Waynesville R-VI School District. During her time with the district, she taught at Waynesville Junior High School, Wood Junior High School, and Waynesville High School. Even while still teaching, Marilyn worked with the family business, Skyline Cycles. In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed quilting and was a member of the Richland Pieceful Quilters. She was also a member of the Hansen Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. Marilyn will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son and daughter-in-law: David and Sherry Ernst of Waynesville, MO; four grandchildren: Karl Ernst and his wife, Leah, Lorelei Foe, Kirsche Miller all of St. Louis, MO, and Dallas Ernst and his wife, Sarah of Jefferson City, MO; five great grandchildren: Skylar, Anakin, Hunter, Julia and Anderson; one brother: Roger Thorson of Graettinger, IA; two sisters: Idelle Boomgarden and her husband, Harold of Kansas City, MO and Betty Penn and her husband, Dave of Des Moines, IA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband: Richard Ernst; two sons: Randy and Scott Ernst; three brothers: James, Norman, and Ronald Thoreson. Even though she is gone from our sight, Marilyn’s hardworking spirit will live on in our hearts. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Pastor Mark Tallant officiating. Marilyn's grandson, Dallas Ernst, played the song "Because He Lives" on his violin and "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be" recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band was played. Private burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Marilyn Ernst and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Marilyn Jean Ernst

September 14, 1934 - May 23, 2023