Neva Joyce Ernst

Neva Joyce Ernst, of Mankato passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Jewell County Hospital in Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 90 years, 1 months and 15 days. She was born on July 24, 1925 in Courtland, Kansas to Emerald and Jesse (Hutchinson) Mills.

Neva greatest regret was not completing high school She left school to help out the family. Neva was a sales clerk for J.C. Penny's in Mankato. She married Arnold Ernst, On February 9, 1949 at Burr Oak. To this union three children were born - Gordon, Curtis, and Brenda. Neva was active in her kids lives in school, by being a Methodist Youth League (MYL) leader, cub scout leader, and active in First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women of Burr Oak. Arnold and Neva had a passion for square dancing. They were member of the Wagon Wheel Square Dance Club for 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Ernst; son, Gordon Ernst; father, Emerald Mills; mother, Jesse Mills; great-grandson, Brady; three brothers - Milford, Chester, and Leonard Mills: sisters - Ila Malsbury, Bernice Carter, Vera Cecrle, Opal Vestal, and infants - Imorene and Lucille.

Neva is survived by- daughter, Brenda and husband, Rex)Flinn of Mankato, Kansas; son, Curtis and wife, Francine Ernst of Mankato, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Jackie Ernst of Mankato, Kansas; three granddaughters, Emily and husband, Brandon Barkley, Vanessa Ernst, Carissa Ernst; three grandsons, Brett Ernest, Wyatt Flinn, Samuel Flinn; step-grandson -Brandon and wife, Brigete Bechard, and Jeffrey Collison; step-granddaughter - Brandi and husband, Aaron Smith andElizabeth Seyfert; two great-granddaughters, Mason Belyea, Olivia Barkley; two step-great grandchildren- Makayla Smith, and Grayson Bechard and a host of other relatives and friends. .

Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Organist will be Mrs. Wanda Franiser. Casket bearers will be: Brad Jones, Wes Jones, Virgil Kimminau, Mike Streit, Mac McCutcheon, and Douglas Pair. Honorary casket bearers will be the grandchildren: Emily Barkley, Vanessa Ernst, Carissa Ernst; Brett Ernest, Wyatt Flinn, and Samuel Flinn; Interment will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Friday, September 11, 2015 with from to in the Melby Mortuary in Mankato. Memorials may be left to: Jewell County Hospital or First United Methodist Church, Burr Oak, with the funeral home in charge. Condolences may be left online at www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary in Mankato in charge of arrangements.