This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Colby, Ramon Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wQJ.2ACEB/688 Message Board Post: Battle Creek Enquirer (MI) - December 16, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ernest F. Colby, Sr. Battle Creek Ernest F. Colby, Sr., 71, of Battle Creek, went to be with the Lord on December 14, 2002 at home. Ernie, as he was known to the family, was born in Athens, MI on September 28, 1931 to Otto Layette and Florence Bennett Colby, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Linda Lou Ramon on December 16, 1950. She preceded him in death in September 12, 1973. Ernie is survived by their five children, Ernest f. Colby, Jr., Edward F. Colby, Serafina Colby Lincoln (Thomas) Lewis, Eric F. (Kim) Colby and Errol F. Colby, all of Battle Creek. Ernie later married Helen O'dell in June of 1976, and she preceded him in death in September of 1978. He then spent 24 years with his special friend, Therel B. Kuzma, who died in 2000. He is survived by her daughter, Linda Clemons, who Ernie thought of as his own daughter. Also surviving is his special friend Bonnie Walker of Battle Creek, sisters Margaret (Mickey) Hoskins, Roberta (Bobbie) Jackson of Missouri, Mary Ann Colby Elioff of Tennessee, Susan Colby Skultety of Chicago and Mary Elizabeth Hamsher of Oregon, 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sisters Delores Dumke, Evelyn Lavender, Edith Adair and Rose Mary Colby. Ernie worked at V.C. Squires before they moved their business to California, then he worked at House of Raeford. He was a member of the Michigan National Guard, retiring with 21 years service and a former Michigan State Police reserve officer. He enjoyed fishing and camping, and deer hunting in Northern Michigan. His children remember him as a hard working father, but he had the time to take the boys fishing and to take the family to Lake Michigan for summer holidays. The family also enjoyed trips to the auto theater in the fifties and sixties. Ernie worked with leather, making wallets and purses as a hobby. He also enjoyed bowling and traveling. He liked country-western music and enjoyed dancing with his friend Bonnie Walker up until his illness forced him to stop. Friends may call after 5:00 p.m. today at the Farley-Estes and Dowdle Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Services will be held at the Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank Lifespan/Good Samaritan Hospice for their support and kindness They especially wish to thank Nurses Tina, Robin and Theresa. They ask that memorial contributions be made to the hospice.