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1927 - 2014
1927 - 2014
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1927
2014
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Chris Humann
August 27, 2014
I remember Ms Howard well, as she was my daughter's first grade teacher several years ago at Raymond Orr. She was also a member of my church, Wesley Methodist, and I always enjoyed seeing her when she was able to come and visit in later years. She was such a sweet lady, always with a smile and kind word. She was always remembered by my daughter, Jennifer, as her favorite teacher. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures of her with her children and grandchildren. My sympathy goes out to her family. She will be missed.
Jerry Pruitt
August 21, 2014
Steve, Bruce and Karl, Cyndi and I have been out of town on vacation in Maine for the last two weeks; consequently, I have not been checking my email. I just read this email today. You all know that Cyndi and I thought the world of Mrs. Howard. She was a wonderful lady and a true friend when we first move to Fort Smith and lived next door on Knoxville.
Gay Anderson
August 15, 2014
Having grown up with Bruce, Steve and Karl, there was no way for their friends not to know Ernesteen. She was such a wonderful mother to them all and alway opened her home to us even when the boys weren't home. I can remember stopping to see her just because she was such an amazing lady and I wanted to visit with her. She was an inspiration in so many ways when I moved home as a single parent with 3 little girls. I drew strength from her strength and faith from her faith. She was everything a single mom should be and more. Such admiration I have always had for this amazing lady. My thoughts and prayers are with Bruce, Steve, Karl and their families. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Mary Kinder-Stewart
August 15, 2014
Ernesteen was a wonderful example of single parenting to me since I was trying to do the same. I missed her so much when she moved to Texas. She was always in church, alone, and that was such a testament to her faith and love. She was always smiling, always happy, and so so so sweet. I admired her so much and she will be missed. But think how happy she is to finally be with her husband after all these years and she is now whole and pain free. Bless all her family for their love and care of her.
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Byra Burke
August 15, 2014
I attended the Hackett Methodist church in Hackett, Ar. as a young child and teenager. Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge (Ernesteens parents) were very active members of that church along with their children. I feel blessed to have known this wonderful family.
I can remember Ernesteen wrapping Christmas presents in Mr. Reeves Dept Store in Hackett. She was always a happy, beautiful person and so well respected in our little community.
I am sorry to read of her passing.
Please know I am thinking about you all.
Byra Thayer Burke
Gayle & Scott Neal
August 14, 2014
Steve, We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your precious mom. We just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Debbie and your family today. God Bless.. Love, Gayle and Scott Neal
Susan Tapp
August 14, 2014
Bruce, Steve and Karl,
I was so very sorry to hear about Aunt Ernie. I've been fondly remembering all of our visits to Hackett. Ernie always impressed me as being such a good mom. She was a great aunt! She reminded me of Grandmom--always doing for others. She will be sorely missed. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Rutledge) Tapp
Lindsay Horne
August 13, 2014
Grandmom, I don't even know where to begin on saying how much I will miss you. So many wonderful memories. From holidays shared, to just times where it was just the two of us watching Touched by an Angel together. I will always carry you in my heart. You hold such a special place in my heart and my life that no one else will be able to fill. I remember helping you with your school work, or going through your jewelry boxes and you telling me the stories of where all your jewelry came from. Swinging on your swing in the front yard or making angle food cakes. There are so many memories. I will cherish them all! I love you Grandmom and know I will see you again in heaven!!
Christy Connor
August 13, 2014
Dear Bruce and family,
What a joy it was to know Ernestine and take care of her at Caruth Haven. Ernestine really made a journey with us during her time there. She always had that sparkle in her smile and eyes. Even as she aged and became very dependent, she still could show that spark and determination. We all had the utmost respect for Ernestine for her determination and spirit. She liked to be around staff and the other residents. She was a real favorite of Dr. Hirjee who saw her for many years. I always loved that she enjoyed her gospel music station and Bruce checked in with me regularly to be sure we weren't putting it on rap or rock and roll! A group was not a group on the 3rd floor activity without Ernestine. Also, Ernestine enjoyed dining until the very end. She always had a great appetite and never would turn down her dessert. There is no doubt she was a wonderful teacher. You just knew that those 1st graders would have done anything for her. I feel so very honored to have known Ernestine and her family. Bruce and I talked regularly and I always wanted to know what his truck schedule was and where he was going. I would always let Ernestine know when I had talked with any of her family. She knew she was well loved by her family and her Caruth family.
We always felt like we were her protectors , so no on had better mess with Ernestine!
Please know that my thoughts are with all of you. What a wonderful legacy Ernestine was and I know she would be very happy to know that all of you are joining together to celebrate her life. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and entrusting Ernestine to our care.
May God bless all of this wonderful family. Much love, Christy Connor
August 13, 2014
Aunt Ernie, I am so lucky to have had you in my life as an aunt for so many years. I remember with such fondness all of my family's visits with you and the rest of our extended family in Fort Smith (and the one time we visited you at an Army base in Texas, too). You were always so very happy to see us – I can't ever remember when you didn't have a smile on your face. I always admired you so much for raising your boys by yourself, working as a (great) teacher, being so involved in your church and community, and for your constantly cheerful attitude. You will be missed. Love, your niece Lynn (Rutledge) Selan
Jonathan Howard
August 13, 2014
Grandmom, you were always a light of inspiration in my life, from late night book readings(weedle on the needle) to coming to my 3rd grade class to read to my classmates and I. You were always loved and always will be. Words cant describe the amount your kind heart will be missed. I love you forever.
Love,
Your grandson
Jonathan
Jacque Turner Evans
August 13, 2014
Bruce, your mother was a sweet, funny, wonderful woman. God bless and keep you and your family.
August 12, 2014
Grandmom, I love and miss you very much. When I think of you, I remember all of the fun times that we had together. I loved so much how you spent the time playing with all of us and just having a fun time with your grandchildren. I have so many childhood memories of all of the wonderful activities that we would do with you at your house. I loved how you would allow us to create artwork in your kitchen, get out numerous board games and scatter them all around your living room floor, go to the grocery store special just to buy us Velveeta shells and cheese or a yummy Chef Boyardee pizza to make at home in your kitchen for fun. I always appreciated your kindness, patience , and love for all of us. I have so many special memories of you and I am thankful that you were my beloved Grandmom. May you feel peace, comfort, and extreme joy as you are reunited with your family whom you loved as well. I love you and will forever miss you until I see you again!
Love,
Your Granddaughter,
Stephanie
Matthew Howard
August 12, 2014
Grandmom, You always gave us so much love and kindness, keeping us involved in your church during VBS, games galore, the softest fabrics in our bed, tucking us in when we would stay the night, endless trips to putt-putt, and so many great memories, you are forever in my heart. You are in the best hands, His hands.
August 12, 2014
To a wonderful Teacher ~
Ernie... your loving way has taught so many others what it means to be a lady, a devoted wife, a loving and caring Mother, a fun and passionate Grandmom and a loyal and trusted friend. You possess a love that has transcended to every area of your life. Your life and legacy is a true testament to your faith in God. You are truly the ultimate Teacher! I love you very much and will always keep and treasure the lessons you have taught me by your example.
Debbie
August 12, 2014
Mom. Love you very much and will miss you. You were the best mom a son could ever have. Loving, Caring, Sweet, Protector, Provider, Hugger, Uplifting and much - much more....
Love you forever
Your son,
Steve
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201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
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