Ernestine Crace

Ernestine Crace, a beacon of kindness and warmth, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio. Born on May 2, 1940, in Magoffin County, Kentucky, she touched the lives of all who had the fortune to know her.

Ernestine was deeply cherished for her caring and thoughtful nature, which shone brightly in her relationships with family and friends alike. She banded those around her with love, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her vibrant spirit will be remembered as a comforting presence that brought joy to countless gatherings.

In her life, Ernestine embraced a number of passions that highlighted her creativity and dedication. She found immense joy in gardening, nurturing the earth as she nurtured those she loved. Quilting and sewing were not just hobbies for her; they were expressions of her heart’s warmth, stitching together memories for her family. Ernestine also enjoyed the challenges of word searches and puzzles, finding delight in unraveling each new mystery. Above all, she cherished the moments spent cleaning and shopping, weaving leisurely activities into the fabric of her family’s daily life.

Most precious to her were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she relished every opportunity to spend time with them, creating lasting memories full of laughter and love. Her legacy will continue through her grandchildren, Jessy (Bil Tipton) Jones, Zach (Amanda) Jones, Leslie Gentry, Tyler Gentry, and her great-grandchildren, Westley Tipton, Zoey Jones, and Easton Eric Gentry, who will forever hold a special place for her in their hearts.

Ernestine's journey was not without the sadness of loss. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Leslie and Carrie Pennington, her grandson, Eric Gentry, and her brother, Bill Pennington. These losses were felt deeply, yet they only served to strengthen the loving ties among her surviving family members.

She is survived by her husband, Guy Crace, and her daughters, Brenda Gentry and Karen (Joe) Jay, alongside her siblings Lillie Christine, Jean, Mavis, Magdalene, Randy, and Chalmer. Together, they will honor her memory, remembering the vibrant, nurturing soul she was.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Ernestine Crace during visitation on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Both will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Dayton, located at 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45424.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hospice of Dayton or The Alzheimer's Association in honor of Ernestine.

As we gather to remember Ernestine, may her spirit of kindness and love inspire us all to reach out to one another and live our lives with the same caring heart she embodied. Her legacy will forever resonate in the lives she touched and the love she instilled in her family.