Barbara Jean Ernst

Barbara Jean Redelfs Ernst 1930 - 2023

Barbara Jean Redelfs Ernst, age 93, passed peacefully at Sunflower Care in Emporia, Kansas on Christmas Day 2023.

She was born in Americus Kansas on June 14, 1930, to L. John and Mary Redelfs, who she loved so much. She grew up in Americus where she graduated from high school and then studied at Kansas State Teachers College before teaching school in Dwight, KS.

In 1949 she married Howard Leo Ernst Jr, moving to Manhattan, Kansas where Leo was attending Kansas State University. They started their family in 1950 with their first-born Phyllis Lea Ernst Spencer/Tim Spencer followed by Larry Charles Ernst/Pamela Ernst, Karen Lynn Ernst Davis/Jim Davis and Rodger Alan Ernst/Catherine Ernst

During the early years of their marriage Barbara and Leo were in the oil exploration industry and moved all over the US living in more than forty-five different cities. They then settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 10 years, then moved to Shreveport, Louisiana for 3 years before moving back to Americus in 1975, prior to Leo’s death in November 1975. Barbara remained in Americus until her death.

Barbara received her Associate Degree in Business Administration from Emporia State University in 1978. She then worked for McAntee, Lawrence & Wilcox Insurance for several years before moving to the Student Records Department at Emporia State University, retiring from there in 1995.

Barbara enjoyed working in her garden, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. Her favorite dish was her homemade salsa. Everyone loved it. However, the highlight of her life was her grandchildren. They are: Wes Dotson and Hayley Spencer / Meyer with Phyllis, Erin Ernst / Whitlock and Kristy Lynn Ernst / Simms with Larry, Preston Davis, Kari Davis / Roberts, and Brennan Davis with Karen, and Randy Ernst and Shannon Ernst / Smith with Rodger. She also had eleven great grandchildren. Additionally, her companion later in life was her dog, Bo.

Barbara was always there for her family, and we couldn’t have asked for a better parent/grandparent/great grandparent. We will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Richard Redelfs, her husband, Howard Leo Ernst Jr., and her daughter Phyllis Lea Ernst/Spencer.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life, to be held at a later date.