Laurel Fern Ernst Obituary (1933 - 2023)

Laurel Fern Ernst, 90, of Decatur, IL passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023. A service to honor Laurel’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Calvert & Wikoff North Chapel. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Laurel will be laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County. Laurel was born on October 12, 1933 in Centralia, IL, the daughter of George W. and Mary C. (Jones) McKinney. She married Dwain Ernst on August 22, 1959. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2000. Laurel worked as an operator for Illinois Bell Telephone Company for eleven years. She was a member of Decatur Hospital Auxiliary. She was a faithful member of Mound Chapel Church of God where she played piano, sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. Laurel is survived by her brother: George (Sandra) McKinney of Kentucky; nieces: Marcia (Stan) McQuality Brelsfoard of Decatur, IL and Karla Lovewell of Kentucky; nephews: Rod (Dixie) McQuality of Sherman, IL and George “Mac” McKinney of Kentucky; great nephew: Matthew (Kelsey) McQuality of Avon, OH; great niece: Cara (Nathaniel) Kern of Chatham, IL; several half brothers and sisters in Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.calvertmemorial.com.