Ernestine "Gram Cracker" Bolen of Rogue River, Oregon was born in Chelmsford, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Arthur and Eva Mainville. She is survived by her brothers Roma (Cecile), Jean "Bruno" (Marceline), and Florian "Flo" (Jenny) and leaves behind eight children and their families, Richard (Barbara, d.), Marlene (Dave), Patricia (Dennis), Barbara (Dave), Cleo (Ann), Michael (Roxane), Daniel (Joanne), and Nicole (Ric). The extended family includes 21 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her husband Nicholas and siblings Ernest, Maurice, Estelle, Noe, Roger, Martial, Clement, Clementine, and Conrad.
As the oldest of 13 siblings and mother to 8 children of her own, all 101 years or Ernestine's life were spent surrounded by a large, loving family, and she was the heart of it.
She has always been a vibrant and gracious hostess forever surrounded by family and friends, whether in her home, church, or community. She has touched and enriched the lives of all those who have spent time around her. She loved to play cards and games and always had a great sense of humor. She started painting when she was 89 and was a talented and prolific artist.
When asked what wisdom from 101 years of life she would like to pass on to her many grandchildren one day, she paused, shrugged, and said simply but assertively, "just be good."
We all loved her dearly and will miss the smiles and laughter that came with being around her.
Funeral mass will be at Our Lady of the River, 3625 North River Road, Gold Hill, Oregon 97525 at 10:00am on Saturday July 6th, 2024 followed by a Celebration of Life starting at 12:30pm in Rogue River, Senior Center Annex. Burial will be on Sunday July 7, 2024, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Grants Pass at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the following organizations:
- Rogue River Community Center (132 Broadway, P.O. Box 295, Rogue River, Oregon 97537)
- Evans Valley Fire Department (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=P56JMCHW9R4JW)
