DOROTHY R. ERNST

Dorothy Roberta "Bert" Ernst, Cape Girardeau Route 1, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1991, at her home.

She was born Oct. 22, 1927, in Geneva, Ind., daughter of Victor Herbert and Dorothy Constance Lewis Eicher. She married Charles Francis Ernst Jr. June 12, 1948, in St. Louis.

After high school graduation, she became a member of the United States Cadet Nurses Corps, receiving training at Barnes Hospital and Washington University.

The family lived in Houston, Mo., where she was a hospital staff nurse and nurse for Dr. William Dreyer. The Ernsts moved to Cape Girardeau in 1984, and were members of Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church.

Ernst was a volunteer with American Red Cross Blood Bank, member of Rose Hill Garden Club, and was interested in the development of various strains of irises and lilies. She was active in the Newcomers group and Lunch Bunch.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Charles Ernst III of Livingston, Texas; two daughters, Susan Christie of Ballwin, Lynne Dearing of Aberdeen, Wash.; her mother and stepfather, Dorothy and Henry Meusch of Clinton, Ark.; a brother, David Dockstader of Sacramento, Calif., and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hobbs Chapel. The Rev. David Conley will officiate.

Friends may call at the church after 1 p.m. Saturday.

Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel is in charge of arrangements.