Ernest Hento

1921 - 2015

Ernest "Ernie" Hento

October 7, 1921 - December 22, 2015

Surrounded by his family, Ernest "Ernie" Hento passed away peacefully on December 22, 2015 in Keizer, Oregon.

The son of Dutch immigrants, Henry and Tibbina Hento, Ernie was born in Pierre, South Dakota on October 7, 1921. His family sold their farm in Avon, South Dakota in 1937 and moved to Sumas, Washington. He graduated from Sumas-Nooksack High School in 1939. After graduating from high school, Ernie entered The State College of Washington (now called Washington State University), but his college career was interrupted by World War II. When the war ended, he left the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the 86th Infantry Division and then returned to WSU to finish his college degree in Business in 1947.

After graduating from college, Ernie went to work for the National Cash Register Corporation (NCR) for two years, and then he and his good friend, Joe Lilje, became business partners in a Western Auto Store franchise in Davenport, Washington. He met his wife, Eleanor Louise Prouty, in Davenport and they were married on November 21, 1952. Ernie and Eleanor had two children, Larry and Sheryl.

In 1961, the family moved to Silverton, Oregon where Ernie bought the Western Auto Store, later becoming known simply as Ernie's Western Auto. He owned the store for 32 years until he sold it in 1993. Among the many civic activities Ernie participated in, he was very proud to serve on the board of directors of the Silverton Hospital. Ernie retired at the age of 72, enjoying many pursuits, like the Elks Scholarship Committee, Silverton Historical Society, and having coffee with "the boys" at the Towne House. Among the many places he was able to travel during retirement, Ernie was excited to visit family in Holland and research family lineage.

In his later years, he and Eleanor lived in the Willamette View Manor Retirement Community in Portland. Last year, they moved to Keizer to be closer to their son and daughter and their families.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents and brother Andy, and sister Theresa. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor, son Larry (Sharon), daughter Sheryl Bauer (Tom); and grandchildren Nathan (Amy) and Nick (Cindy) Bauer, Erin and Lauren Hento; and great-granddaughters Charlotte Rae Bauer and Amelia Anne Bauer.

A celebration of Ernie's life will be held at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 1:00 - 3:00.

Remembrances can be left at: www.sunnysidechimes.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Ernie's honor to the Silverton Country Historical Society, 428 South Water St., Silverton, OR 97381.