"I first met Mrs. McHenry when she hired Lucy to care for her. Every Friday, she would get her hair done and I always commented on how nice she always looked. She would smile and always say thank you. She will be missed by me, Lucy and our two sons, who got to know her well. Our son was married on May 2 and Mrs. McHenry wanted to attend the wedding and my son was all excited to have her share in his joyous occasion, but was unable to attend at the last moment. My sons wished they could have seen her one last time. She will always be remembered as a very nice and classy lady."
In loving memory of
Ernestine S. McHenry
July 25, 1917 - May 30, 2015
With much love and sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Ernestine McHenry on May 30, 2015. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, and will be deeply missed by all. Her 97 years of life were lived to the fullest, and with much happiness.
Ernestine was born on July 25, 1917 to Harry and Mattie Sickles in Porterville, California. She grew up on a ranch with her three siblings, and attended grade school in Springville until her family moved to Porterville where she graduated from high school in 1935 and also attended Porterville Junior College.
She worked for two years as a secretary and bookkeeper for a Chevrolet and home appliance dealership. After being set up on a blind date, she married the love of her life, Marvin McHenry, on April 8, 1939. Once they were married, Ernestine and Marvin moved to Dos Palos and worked together running McHenry Butane and Gas Service. Additionally, During World War II, Ernestine proudly performed her patriotic and civic duties by spotting planes flying over the area.
On October 28, 1942, Ernestine and Marvin became the parents of a beautiful daughter, Sharon Lynne. Ernestine was a proud homemaker and parent, and devoted her time to her family. Once Sharon entered school, Ernestine was active in the P.T.A. (Parent Teacher Association), as well as the organization Rainbows for Girls.
Ernestine enjoyed being active in community organizations. She held a variety of offices for Eastern Star, and in 1960 was elected president of the Dos Palos Floral Designer. During her term of presidency, the Christmas Bazaar was formed and continued for 30 years selling beautiful Christmas arrangements to local and out-of-town customers. Ernestine was an active member of the Methodist Church, Hospital Assistance League, and she belonged to the same bridge club for over 60 years. Ernestine belonged to a Gourmet Dinner Club which brought years of joy looking for new recipes and providing entertainment to cherished friends in her home. Ernestine also enjoyed gardening, and took great pride in the beautiful flowers that grew in her yard.
Ernestine was preceded in death by her husband (Marvin McHenry) of 47 years, her parents Harry and Mattie (Sickles), her brother Leland (Sickles), and her sisters Bernie (Hamby) and Doris (Board). She is survived by her daughter Sharon (Hugh Montrose), her granddaughters Jill (Todd Plimpton), Shauna (Ed Bake), and Shelli Schroeder. She also leaves her legacy to her great-grandchildren: Eric, Ben, Scott, Kate, Abby, Owen, Tristin and Emili. Additionally, she is survived by nieces Margaret (Hamby), Joanie (Wegner) and nephew Jeff (Board).
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 12th at 12:30 pm at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel in Dos Palos, California, 2350 Blossom St. Dos Palos, Ca 93620. Burial at the Dos Palos Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the United Methodist Church in Dos Palos, the Rhett Syndrome Foundation (4600 Devitt Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45246), or a charity of your choice.