Obituary of Elaine Ernst

Elaine (Gandy-Hughes) Ernst, age 74, of Millville, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday evening, November 29, 2016 at her home from kidney failure under the care of hospice. Elaine was the daughter of the late Eleanor Munyon Craner and the late Harry T. Sheppard. She is survived by her husband William Ernst, Sr. of Millville and her step-mother, Claire Gandy of Bridgeton. Elaine is also survived by her children Kathy Sacca (Dave), Karen Taylor (late-George Taylor), Lillian Johnson (Eric), Mary Smith, JoAnn Ernst-Murray (Don), Karen Macon, Susan Ernst, Diane Dragotta (Pete), Brenda Patitucci, Lisa Maychak (Steve) and William Ernst, Jr. She was predeceased by one son, David E. Hughes, Jr. (Rocky). She was known as “mother” to many others. In addition, Elaine is survived by her sisters, Janice Laws (John) and Mary Craner; her brothers, Earl Gandy, Robert Gandy (Kathleen), Donald Gandy and Tommy Craner. She was also preceded by her sister, Jeanette Gandy; her brothers, Wayne Gandy, John Craner, Jr. and Gary Craner, Sr. and her step-father, Earl Gandy, Sr. She had 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren who she loved very much. Elaine worked a few jobs over the years including Taylor Farm Market, Casper’s Farm Market, Rennoc and Henderson Aquatics before retiring from Millville Rescue Squad due to health issues. She was heavily involved in Cinderella Softball, Cub Scouts as a den leader and was the organizer of the first all women’s gunning club called the Buckshooters and was known by her CB handle was Woodsey Woman. Elaine loved Willie Nelson and bragged about her photo kissing him, “her man” that hangs on the wall of the Texas Roadhouse, her favorite dinner restaurant. It was Verna’s Flightline for breakfast of course. Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp., on Saturday, December 3rd at 4 PM. Interment will take place privately following cremation. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 3 PM to 4 PM prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Elaine’s memory to the Heroes Foundation, Attn: Pepi Dragotta, P.O. Box 225 Rosenhayn, NJ 08352 or to the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Company, 5272 Rt. 49, Millville, NJ 08332. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com .