Ernie Smith

Ernie Eldon Smith, 94, passed away in the early morning hours of June 5, 2010 in Chico, in the comfort of his own home that he and his son Larry built. One of ten children, Ernie was born on Feb. 3, 1916 in Mason Township, Iowa to sharecroppers, Mr. and Mrs. James C. and Rosa Smith. Ernie attended a one-room rural school through 8th grade. Then he attended Newburg High School, requiring him to walk several miles daily, so at times he stopped for the night at an aunt's house along the way. Ernie was an A student and member of the basketball team. He graduated in 1934, receiving his High School Diploma, the first of his family to do so. Shortly after graduation, Ernie married Agnes Newburg. Sadly, Agnes died in childbirth along with their newborn daughter, Alice. Ernie was a man of great fortitude. He swallowed his grief and continued working hard as a farmer until he was able to buy his own farm. In 1938, Ernie's father came home from church one Sunday and told him that he'd just met the "cutest little preacher gal" and he ought to go meet her. Ernie took his advice and on October 19, 1938, Ernie married Ernestine Alberta Robison. Together they raised three sons and three daughters. Throughout their years together, they always had a full house, never going more than a few months alone, beginning with making a home for his baby sister and her baby brother soon after their marriage, and continuing to open their home to various family members up until the time of Ernie's passing. In 1951, a few days before their fifth child was born, Ernie suffered a ruptured appendix and nearly died. He was one of the first people in southern Iowa to receive the new miracle drug penicillin, which along with the faith and prayers of his loving wife, and his fierce determination to live, enabled him to survive. A few years later, Ernie sold his farm and bought the general store in the tiny Iowa town of Peru, where he worked as a merchant for the next four years. In 1960, Ernie sold the store and moved his family to California, arriving in Chico on Aug. 1, 1960, where he remained the rest of his life. He began working as a plumber for Hignell and Strange, and then later got his own plumbing contractor's license and started his own business. In the mid-1960's Ernie got his general contractor's license and began building houses in Chico, collaborating with his son Larry. His homes are still in demand today, known for their quality workmanship. Ernie hung up his contractor tools in 1978 to retire from the home building business. However, never one to sit idle, he continued working for free, volunteering his expertise and countless hours at his church, The Community Church of God, and for the widows and poor people of acquaintance, routinely and cheerfully repairing plumbing or other problems. He and Ernestine were also generous with their money, lending aid to people less fortunate than themselves. They believed in putting their faith into action. In 1998, tragedy struck again when Ernestine died a few months short of their 60th wedding anniversary. Six weeks later, their daughter, Sheryl was killed in a car accident. In addition to his first wife and baby, Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters, his wife, Ernestine, and their daughter, Sheryl Ann Burger. He is survived by sons, Larry Smith of Chico and his wife, Merci, Jim Smith of Arizona and his wife, Loralee, Kevin Smith of Novato, and daughters, Sara Cain of Chico and her husband, Dan, and Karen Sittel of Arizona and her husband, Dick. Additionally he is mourned by his Chico grandsons, David Cain, Donald Cain and his wife, Teah; Lonnie, Tony, Terry, and Jimmy Smith. He also leaves grandchildren, Jeannie Akey and husband, Ed of Roseville, Julie Smith of Redding, Karen Burger of Oregon, and Marci Burger of Nevada; Jeremiah Smith of Montana; Tammi Boyd, and Richard, Jim, and Jay Burger of Alaska; and sisters, Opal Christensen of Iowa, Eula Lee Warneke of Texas, and Norma Hall of Oklahoma. He also has numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren in Alaska, California, and Oregon. Ernie will be greatly missed by family and friends, as he was an inspiration and friend to all. He always gave a helping hand when needed, and was a delight and blessing to others with his "ornery grin" and infectious sense of humor. His greatest legacy is his devotion to his family. He was the consummate care-taker, even to the very last day of his life, preparing the way for his family. In love and gratitude, and taking turns, all his children cared for him as his health declined, allowing him to stay in his own home until his last breath was drawn. He was especially grateful for the devotion and care his grandsons gave him in his last days, and would want to publicly acknowledge the loving care of his grandson, Tony Smith who served as his primary care-taker the last months of his life. Ernie loved the outdoors and beauty of nature, never losing his passion for growing things. He would appreciate lovely flowers at his services. Afterward, the flowers will be donated to residents of a local skilled nursing facility. He and Ernestine were also faithful contributors to the Salvation Army and would be honored by memorial contributions made to them. Funeral services are being arranged by Brusie's. Viewing will be available Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. in their Chapel. A graveside service, to respectfully lay Ernie to rest, will be held Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Oaks Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Community Church of God, 1095 East Ave., on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.