Ernestine Faye "Ernie" Lea

KEIZER - Born May 4, 1926 in Salem Oregon, Ernestine was raised by a Godly mother to be a Godly woman. Though he died when she was very young, Ernie learned resourcefulness and creativity from her much loved father.

Following her heart's desire Ernie wed Fred Lea in 1944. Their devotion to one another was integral in raising their three children, Steve, Don and Alicia.

Together Fred and Ernestine built Fred Lea Distributors. She was an early adopter of technology, ushering their business from the paper age into the 20th century, well before home or small business computing was in vogue. Ernie was truly a Photoshop pioneer, having adopted use of the program shortly after its introduction in 1988.

Fred and Ernie enjoyed retirement nearly as much as their business. Ernie's unfaltering dedication to family genealogy led them on far flung adventures from Alberta Canada, to Utah, Missouri and various Civil War Battlefields. Not unusually one of their grandchildren accompanied them on these adventures.

In later years, a life-long quest for warmth saw them relocate to Lake Havasu City in Arizona, where they founded the Lamb of God Lutheran Church. Their landscaping at home reflected their love of rock hounding which they eagerly pursued with friends in the area.

Fred and Ernie's dedication to each other was an inspiration to their family and everyone who knew them. They were intimately involved not only in the lives of their children, but the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For over 30 years, from the seventies through the new millennium they could often be found attending school sports and activities for one of their four grandchildren.

Ernestine was a friend and a blessing to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be remembered fondly and missed greatly. Her memorial will be Wednesday, April 2, 2 pm at Restlawn Funeral Home in West Salem.