Ernestine Overtoom

Lexington, Kentucky Ernestine Elizabeth (Dewhirst) Overtoom, 84, formerly of Lexington, Ky passed from this Earth to be with our Lord November 21. Ernestine had been a resident of Orlando, Fl for the past 8 years. She was born May 25th, 1933 in Danville, Illinois to the late Dr. Ernest M. Dewhirst and Lorraine V. Dewhirst. She is preceded in death by her sister, Mrs. Valerie Eigenrauch of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is survived by her daughter Laurel A. Pytosh of Orlando, FL, her son Harry C. Overtoom of Lexington, Ky and her daughter Karen E. Johnson of Cincinnati Ohio, along with 8 grandchildren: Meredith Johnson, Kent Johnson, Kirsten Johnson, Ryan Pytosh, Katherine Pytosh, Harry Overtoom, Carter Overtoom and Connor Overtoom. Ernestine was affectionately called Betty by her parents and sister and many of her friends called her Ernie. Ernestine grew up in Danville Illinois and graduated Danville High School in 1951. She loved the outdoors and spent time playing softball in her youth. Her collie Whiskey was often seen playing with her and her sister Val. Ernestine attended the University of Illinois majoring in Spanish, graduating with the highest honors: Magna Cum Laude. She was a member of the academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa and received the highest distinction of the Bronze Tablet, given to the top 3% of graduates from each college. Receiving special recognition her name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in the first floor of the University library. Ernestine met her future husband Harry while attending college and lived all over the country due to his job transfers. They settled in Lexington in 1974 where each remained until Ernestine moved to Orlando in 2009. Ernestine was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and often kept up with college friends and high school classmates attending many reunions over the years. She told stories of going to High school with the Van Dyke brothers who were comedians even back in school. Ernestine had a passion for playing bridge, often hosting groups of ladies playing the card game. She was an avid bowler and was on two bowling teams at Southland Lanes. It was not uncommon for her to bowl a perfect game. In her later years she traveled extensively with her sister and went on cruises to Alaska, travel adventures to Canada and New England and the west coast. She briefly worked for H & R Block helping to prepare taxes but her life as a stay at home mother provided her the most enjoyment. It was a comfort to know that there was always a hot home cooked meal being prepared, along with homework assistance if needed. Ernestine had a gentle spirit, was quiet and set an example of being a loving mother. She was a wonderful daughter to her parents and faithfully wrote to them every day of the week. Each letter would always start out as: Dear Folks Her companions were 2 cats: a Persian named Pandy and a tabby named Kirby. She can be described as a woman of kindness, sincerity, gentleness and never a harsh word was ever heard from her. She is missed by her family, friends and those whose lives she touched. May her adoring gentle spirit live on in her 3 children and the 8 grandchildren she loved so much. Funeral Information Celebration of Ernestine's life will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing. Family will receive visitators at 10:00 AM and the service will begin at 10:30 AM. Pastor DeWayne Brewer will be officiating. Final interment will be at Springhill Cemetery in Danville, Illinois.