Nancy Ernst

September 30, 1924 - January 29, 2016

Nancy Sams Ernst September 30, 1924 – January 29, 2016 Nancy Ernst died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Saint Helena, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, in 1990, and her sister, Roberta, in 2007. She is survived by her son, David, and her daughter, Susan, as well as her dear friend, Timothy Hayden, all of Saint Helena. Nancy leaves behind her grandson, Ryan Ernst, his wife Meghan, and their children (her great-grandchildren) Caleb and Madeline of Santa Rosa, California. Nancy was a third-generation native Californian born in Berkeley to Harry and Alice Sams. She grew up in Bakersfield, and attended Mills College in Oakland during World War II. She married Joseph in 1946, and lived most of her life in California, raising her children and supporting her husband's successful petroleum geologist career. She will be laid to rest next to Joseph in the cemetery on the hill overlooking Ferndale, California in Humboldt County. This spot is near the Ernst cabin on the Mattole River where she, her family and friends shared their happiest times over the past 75 years. For Nancy, this will be going “home.” A memorial service for immediate family is being planned. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Nancy’s name to: We Care Animal Rescue, 1345 Charter Oak Avenue, Saint Helena, CA 94574.