Ernie was truly a wonderful man! his sense of humor and sincere love for others was unique and appreciated. he will live  forever in our hearts. May God grant you peace and comfort knowing he is watching over you in heaven until we meet again. 

Sincerely,

The Perrett Family

I first met Ernie at Tempe  Metropolitan Church. I didn't get to know him until it became Ten40. We would chat, that's when he first sang a hymn to me and I told him I loved hymns. From then on, after church as we moved about, Ernie and I would sing hymns and dance together. Ernie would always make me laugh. He once told me that he got a woman's heart and hoped it wouldn't make him start behaving like a woman. It was the perfect joke! I would always get excited for a holiday at church. As I would get ready for church I would tell myself, "Wooooo, Ernie is going to give out candy today." 
I am very saddened by our loss. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with me. I enjoyed every interaction I had with Ernie. He will live on in our memories and stories of him. I will miss him so much.

In the twenty or so years I knew him, I will always remember Ernie for being one of the toughest son of a gun’s I’ve  ever met (he was seriously hard as nails.) I grew up in Royal Rangers with him teaching, and even at that young of age I knew this guy was the real deal. From serving in the military, to caring for his daughter in her final years, and numerous heart surgeries, I really do think Ernie was a type of man rarely seen anymore, and that was just the perseverance of a Knight. He just kept going. He could also make me laugh like no comedian will ever be able to, and I will always believe he had a knife hidden in his right boot that he could kick out by stomping his heel, but he never had a “reason to show me.” I’ll miss you Ernie. Thank you for always walking over and saying hi to me. 

What can say about Ernie and the family. One word LOVE 💘. When I 1st met Ernie and the rest of family they made me feel like I was already part of the family. I was in my all time low, depressed, and have fallen off the path from God. Ernie and I had many talks throughout the years. But what he told me at that time helped me so much to become the man I'm today as his son in law and closer to Jesus. He has guided me through my lows and highs over the years. I'll missed being stab by his love and also with knives 😆. I love Ernie sense of humor and sometimes help encourage him , often times getting in trouble with my wife and Andy. My last true serious conversation with Ernie was over my wife's tamales for breakfast at his house just me and him the week of Christmas. He told me Jesus loves you. Going to miss you Ernie. But I know you already a commander in God's Army doing work with Yessie. Say hello to my mom for me and put in a good word for me with Jesus. 
 I feel this verse holds true to Ernie. Many layers of truth.. 
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

Ernie Tafoya😊 I will miss you so much! You took me and my boys into your family, you loved us so much😊 you gave excellent advice, and loved everyone! You and your family were there for us during good times and bad times! And you helped us in any way you could, we so appreciate how you showed love in so many ways! You would always call me on my birthday, and sing happy birthday to me, that made me feel so good, I loved it so much! Ernie you will be missed so much by so many! Thank you for always praying with us and showing us so much love, love you lots❤️❤️

An amazing man of God, Ernie who was also such a loving and caring father to many, we TFC family love you and will miss you much until we meet you again. You're small but a big man with a bigger heart than anyone has. You always came to us first to greet, talk and encourage. We loved your dry jokes as we tried to the same all the time. Your eyes showed tons of grace and love though you couldn't express everything in your huge heart. We'll hardly find another man who has such a loving but humble life with great impact on many.  Peace be with you in Christ as we pray for your family whom we also love dearly!

Ernie could make any task fun. I remember the Convoy of Hope outreach on the reservation. Ernie, Omar and I were, on a small table,  slapping together (Ernie’s words) sandwiches for the team. Very mundane work, but Ernie made it fun.

We will miss Ernie's smile, infectious laugh, and have fond memories of our years of friendship. All our love to Andie, the girls, and all the family.

I had the privilege of being Ernie's transplant coordinator for the past 6 years. Like parents, we're not supposed to have favorites, but Ernie was definitely one of my favorite people to take care of, even when I knew he was sneaking more sweets than we'd agreed on :) . Thank you Ernie, for being a great patient and an exemplary heart transplant recipient. Thank you for bringing joy and love to me and the transplant team. We will always miss seeing you walk through our doors and hearing what funny and crazy things you'd share with us. I feel privileged and blessed to have been given the opportunity to take care of you all these years.  Love, Erika

Ernie running in the Rat Race AZ, 5K, in 2015. I was worried because it was hot but he participated because he wanted to help bring awareness to the evils of sex trafficking. Ernie was a godly role model and brought joy and fun to everyone he met. We love you Ernie and will miss your presence. Until we meet again...

Our whole family (the Kephart’s and the Sangston’s) all loved and adored Ernie, because he made us smile every time we spoke to him.  Dad has a similar sense of humor, so the two of them would talk about everything under the sun and crack each other up with their silly jokes. It’s the purest form of laughter and something we all remember about Ernie. We shared family gatherings and birthday parties for Joseph, and Ernie was always there making us laugh. We watched him care for Yessie with the deepest kind of love. We can remember him being honored for his love and care in front of the church family with huge applause and a standing ovation. We admired such a man! When our boys grew older and started attending TMC/Ascend, we loved knowing they were amongst family.  Ernie loved to bait our boys with what seemed like a serious question and then throw in a one liner for a serious laugh they didn’t see coming. One thing I loved most is how I would bump into Ernie walking the mall with His granddaughter.  He would see me from afar and make sure he made his way over to say hi and ask about our family.  I admired that about him so much and I think of him when I’m out and about and rushed for time...and the importance of stopping to greet someone regardless. The impact it makes is heartfelt and beautiful.  We will miss you amongst us Ernie. We love you and look forward to seeing you again one day, in glory with Jesus. Save for us some of your best one liners! We look forward to the laughter!
With love, 
the Kephart’s and the Sangston’s

Ernie was the funny uncle always making us scared when he pulled his knife out from his pocket but than make us laugh at the next moment . My brothers and I went to church with them royal rangers and missionettes. We were so loved by them as uncle Ernie and aunt Andy babysat us when my mom had to work. As I continue to work around covid patients this past year I’ve seen the effects it has had on many families , but when it’s 1 of your own it really hits home. Being positive myself at 1 point makes me thankful for having the ability to help so many people in this pandemic, and my uncle Ernie rejoicing with my cousin and his daughter yessie. Whom both are forever in our ♥️ . Rest In Peace , love you all

I am most grateful for all of those Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings Ernie and the Tafoya family made room for me in their van to attend church and for making room for me at their table.  
May each of you be surrounded with comfort and peace during this difficult time.  Our deepest condolences to you and yours.

We are heart broken for the passing of Earnie. More than our neighbor he was a true friend to us just like his beloved wife and family. His sense of humor was so unique and uplifting. There wasn’t a time when we met that he didn’t crack a joke or two!
One time he drove by our house at about
6:00am and I was sweeping the porch when he startled me with his car horn and then he yelled to me “Hey!! You know you’re not suppose to be sweeping outside this early, just for that now you have to go sweep my porch when you’re done with yours. We laughed and kept talking for a while. He really made my day
We sure love him and are going to miss him greatly. May The Lord bless his soul and everyone in his loving family. 
Our condolences to you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Mr. Tafoya was Highland High’s biggest cheerleader next to his grandson Omar.  He would walk up to the ticket booth with a huge smile on his face and would sometimes do a cute little dance.  I would always let Earnie in and just tell him not to get to rowdy 😂😂.   He loved Sports and was always with his grandkids.  Highland will miss his there biggest cheerleader.
I’m blessed to have known you.  
Rest In Peace

My heart is heavy to hear the passing of my friend today due to covid complications. Let me tell something about Ernie. 
He was a man that has a beautiful family. He had a passion to serve God with all his  heart. I seen how strong will minded man he was. Let me tell u if u speak to his family they have been through some testimonies in there life. I was privileged to meet him at the Req center acouple of yrs back. He was needing a heart transplant and his daughter introduced us. He was struggling with short breath and so I did what me and him love to do We prayed. I got to witness his process of him going through a heart transplant and seen how he had the determination to live and he always made me laugh. He always started his weight lifting reps at 30 and would tell me I miss the first 29 reps because I was late to the gym. 😅
Let me tell u what a man he was to have In My life. I would see him from across the gym and I would yell at him praise the Lord bro. Pretty soon after awhile of me doing that he started the same thing with me yelling it back to me Praise the Lord brother. Ernie was the type of man or friend where we would sit down at the Req and just talk about how good God is to us. Now with him gone I know life goes on but not having that fear to have a conversation with a person like that hurts. 
I can say this I know he fought the good fight all the way to the end and has graduated into heaven now. 
I’m going to miss him a lot may the Lord give his family peace strength and courage through this mourning process the are going through now. 

“ERNIE MY FRIEND YOUR RESTING IN PARADISE NOW”

God is Good 🙏🏿

On my first day at Ten40 Church, Ernie came to talk to me. That’s the way he was - always making people feel at home. I am also grateful for his service in Vietnam, which helped to keep most of the Asian countries free.

Ernie and I used to work together, and he used to give me the hardest time, he said I didn’t know how to clean, and I was not doing it right. but he teased me all the time :-) one thing he teased me on was a was always dusting the fire alarms and I would set them off, and he said I just wanted the fireman to come so I can find a husband! I am so going to miss him! I love what second Timothy 4

:7

Ernie was more than just a friend. Ernie became "Granpa"  to Taneli Moses. It was one Saturday, morning that Taneli was having a rough day. Did a lot of crying that morning. His crying came to a stand still when he said, Grandpa Ernie went home to be with Jesus!

Ernie Was a man that I respected greatly. His personality and character was a gift from God.      I always enjoyed asking Ernie about his time in the military. Hearing his stories played a part in inspiring me to join myself.  I’m really grateful for the wisdom he shared with me

One thing I will always remember and admire Ernie for is the way he responded after Yessie's brain surgery. Ernie would sit with her in the hospital room during her recovery and rehabilitation and carefully watch the nurses care for her. He asked questions and learned what they were doing to care for her and why. As new nurses came along to care for Yessie, Ernie would correct and instruct them on the proper way to do things. When Yessie came home, Ernie confirmed this loving care for the rest of Yessie's life. I remember hearing Yessie's Tia Angie who is would care nurse saying" that people in Yessie's situation typically have lots of bed sores and wounds from their lack of mobility. However, Angie marveled that Yessie's skin was perfect because of Ernie's careful and diligent care for her. At the time Ernie was doing this, he still had his original heart which was damaged and only working at a fraction of it'snormal capacity. I have never WITNESSED such a great love of a father for his daughter. I have two daughters of my own and Ernie is my HERO, and MODEL for me to love my daughters like he loved Yessie, -- Roxie, and Lydia!!💝
May we be like Ernie: Love 
 & care for everyone that comes our way. Always serve with joy and a humble heart!💝🌺💝 
From Tia Bertha MOEHLIS

Two most meaningful memories come to mind when I think of Ernie: First, the day, about 20 years ago, when he knelt at the altar on a Sunday morning and gave his heart back to Jesus. He never looked back, ever. Through thick and thin and some true trials of his faith, the man always kept his eyes on Jesus Christ from that day forward. Second, is watching Ernie care for Yessie. No doubt heartbroken at times, Ernie always showed the amazing love of a father to Yessie. Showing her love in every selfless act. It did not matter the sacrifice or level of servanthood. The man showed us all the Father heart of God and the servant heart of Jesus--and for that I am ever thankful. The extended Peterson family love you, brother. And we love your family. 

Hilarious.  That is the word I would first use to describe Ernie Tafoya. About 25 years ago my husband met Ernie Tafoya and I met him about 6 years later. We saw his life and his consistency in the faith and with his family. We had  the privilage of attending church with Ernie and attending home groups with him and Adriana. Ernie always had something funny to say. He kept us laughing and would say, "You always laugh at my jokes." I loved seeing him dance and sing to a hymn as he vacuumed the floors and sprayed the chairs after Sunday service. I loved watching him and Joseph mess around with each other. He was THE MAN. The way he took such great care of his family and his bride was a delight to see. We will miss Ernie dearly. I will miss automatically turning around during Dave's sermons to see what funny thing Ernie was about to say or what funny face he was about to make. I will miss watching him and Adriana banter back and forth. We will miss you Ernie, but we look forward to seeing you again one day.  We love you all very much!

Love,

The Lee Family 

Ernie and I met when he joined the elite Heart Transplant Recipient Club--I will never forget Ernie when I ran into Roxie and she took me into her father's room to show me that he had received a donor heart a few days prior, on Easter--I walked over to the chair Ernie was sitting in and against all doctors orders he got out of the chair and gave me a hug--that meant so much to me and started our friendship--we talked on the phone some but we met numerous times at Mayo when he or Adriana were  in for appointments --with that smile and cheery attitude there was never a time when we ended our conversations that I didn't feel better--he was a blessing to me---one funny time was at a meeting of recipients at Mayo and we were trying to hand one another a spoon and we both shook from the meds and some lady was watching and was very amused by our shaking problems from our meds--God gave him a few more years following the transplant to finish what he was put here on earth to accomplish--he must have accomplished everything he was supposed to and the Lord took him home. Once we have completed all of our duties we will also ascend into Heaven and meet up with Ernie when he isn't in pain anymore--but I am sure he will have a smile even larger than the one he always had here on earth. Let's celebrate his life--he would not want it any other way--we'll always love and miss him--but let's be happy we had him for along as we did--he earned his wings---

Ernie, we will never forget you. Your consistent giant heart is what I will always remember. You never passed on an opportunity to share! One specific memory is our day at one of my first church bbq’s. You took the time to share your story with me. All the troubles, heartache and mistakes but how Jesus changed you and saved you forever. Thank you, Ernie, for the memories and the love you showed to me and Jodi, you will be forever missed! Your fellow Soldier for Jesus, Shawn (& Jodi) Banzhaf

Ernie"Appleseed"! Spread seeds everywhere, many were watered, many grew and many thrived!
Thank you for loving my sister and making her your wife many years ago.
Ernie loved and served well on this earth!

Ernie was a very loving and humble person. He always had a big bright smile on his face. He was like a second dad to me and would always be there whenever I needed, regardless of what he was doing. Needless to say, he was definitely a person who’d light up any room he walked into. My girls and I will miss him very much. I know he’s in happier place now and some day we’ll get to see him again ❤️ 

I remember when life stresses were eating at me but I'd try to "play it off" and smile because I was at church. I remember the day he walked up to me and whispered, "You can fake it all you want, and act like it's not there....but until you give it to God , you'll have a weight on you, and I don't know about you but us old folk... eventually our hips will give out and you'll drop to your knees anyway, so might as well do it without the weight ... He loves you. " ; Shakes my hand and says "So your wife let you out the dungeon today huh?" 😂😂 He is truly missed by my wife and I. He loved giving us a "hard time" . Watch over everyone Ernie.... we know you are. 

Where do I start! I new Ernie as Commander & always called him Commander out of respect. I started Royal Ranger at the age of 12 & Ernie was my Commander & now I am 52 just to let U know how long ago it was. Commander taught me many things but most important was the word of GOD & I thank him for that. Commander my heart is heavy but I take comfort in knowing U are in a better place.  

My job as a doctor is to make patients' function return to the best of ones ability and put a smile on their face. It is not often that the patient is the one who comes in and puts a smile on everyone elses face. That was my patient Ernesto Tafoya, that was my friend Ernie. It was an honor to take care of him as he always made sure and asked how we were doing. It breaks my heart to know he wont be walking through my doors any longer to see me. But I find comfort that he has walked through the the gates to see his Yessie. I will miss you more than you know my friend. Love, -Dr. Scott

RIP Brother Tafoya.  It has been years since I last seen you.  But have never forgotten the loving, kind man of God that you were.  Sitting here remembering when I was younger and would go over to see you and Sister Tafoya knowing how lost I was but you never judged me. Always received us with loving, open arms. Because of people like you I can Truly say it changed my life for the better. I now strive to be a Faithful servant of God.  Thank you and your Beautiful Family for allowing me to be a part of your lives.  Gone but will never be forgotten. 

I met Ernie, Andi and the girls through my kids dad George Bejarano. Ernie and Andi were so humble and kind. They always welcomed us into their home. We would end up being there most of the day. I loved sitting there listening to his stories about the Royal Rangers  and their camp outings. I remember when Ernie had surgery on his heart and the doctors were amazed he was up the next day moving around. His faith in Jesus was and is an inspiration to me. Love and Hugs to Andi and the family. Love Sharon

From the first day I met my bestie Yessie I knew it was instant family. When I met her family I knew it..  Ernie was always being silly and making us laugh with off the wall comments and jokes I saw where Yessie got it from.. No matter what Ernie was going through he always made me feel like one of his daughters... and always made it a point to reach out and make sure I was doing good.  My #1 fan no matter what always made me feel special and would just feed my ego with beautiful compliments again just like he would to his daughters. That no matter what goes on in life he would put a smile on my face and I never second guess my status with the Tafoya's..  We are missing that laughter and jokes and words of encouragements and his stories were always interesting.  Ernie was definitely one of my favorite people in this world I will cherish our last video chat on Christmas..  Was looking forward to meeting up with you and the family.. When it was safe to do so..  Never take anyone for granted cause Jesus will call on your love one when he is ready for them and not on our schedules... Just know I appreciated everything you have always done and so blessed and grateful for the memories... Always in my heart and will miss you always..  

I’ll always have good memories of Ernie. He had a way of making people feel seen and loved, even if he didn’t know you super well yet. I remember visiting him in the hospital, I believe in 2005 and he was so excited to see us and asked how WE were doing. He always made me smile and his legacy will leave a lasting impact. 

I have wonderful memories of the years that Ernie and I worked together at Red Mountain Christian center. I loved his sense of humor and I recall the many times he would hide  items that were on my desk.   I remember the many visits in their home over the years as we talked about the goodness of the Lord and His faithfulness to us and our families. Ernie will truly be missed not only by his family but also his many friends.  Char and I send our love and prayers. 

I learned a lot from Ernie.I only met him  and the Tafoya clan after Yessie’s  final illness when she required so much care. I always preferred seeing a sermon to hearing one and the endless love, devotion and care he showed his beloved daughter Yessie for the rest of her life was something i will never forget. Oftentimes when i get impatient or upset with my kids i remember Ernie’s demonstration of love for her and it always helps me lighten up. 

Ernie always had a story for me!  But what I will really remember him for,  was the love he had for his family.   The way he took care of Yessie will never be forgotten.   He will be greatly missed and always loved in the hearts of many. 

I will forever miss you and our long talks about God!!!! You will forever be in my heart.  

I miss my older brother Ernie. Since we were little boys, we joked with each other often, and our silliness with each other brought lots of laughter and good memories.

Family meant so much to Ernie. He was devoted to Andi, the girls, and the grandkids. Their deep love for him was so obvious. 

Our hearts broke for Ernie and the family when he lost his daughter, Yessie. I take comfort he is reunited with her now, but I will miss not talking and laughing together.  Until we meet again, big Bro. 

We love you, Bill and Erin

Ernie is the oldest of 6 children born to Aurelio and Lydia Tafoya . Ernie was always a very quiet and sweet brother. The year my mother gave birth to my younger brother Arthur I remember Ernie gathered my brothers and me to pray for my mother so she would be watched over and would safely return to us. It was a very humbling experience.  As we got older and we had kids Ernie would take or pick up Yessie from high school he always came by my house and teased my boys , they would see the blue van and they would run and try to hide.  He loved to eat any cake or ice cream I would have. My family will always miss him. We love you Big brother and uncle.

I will always remember Ernie by all his triumphs when odds weren't in favor but most importantly how he loved his family and hid Lord and creator. He was also a great mentor to my son as Dakota went thru his own trials...Ernie a good man and will never be forgotten nor will his legacy...what a great family.

When my husband Aaron (Dave & Roxie’s nephew) was deployed in 2018, I moved to Arizona to be near family since our duty station at the time was very unsafe. Ernie, as well as his wife Andi, always knew the right things to say to help keep me going through such a difficult time. He was always such a joy to be around. Now my mom has the honor of meeting him in heaven and hearing all of his jokes. 

A Brother in Christ, Husband , Father, and Grandfather, Ernie was a very compassionate, kind , and Awesome Man. Great sense of humor , and teaser , as we all know.  I’m going to miss his humor , his love for family he always showed.  God Bless you my friend 

Always a smiling face to see at Jacob and Joshua's baseball games. Your family always included us. ❤

The Christian life, love, and faith of cousin Ernie were always a a great inspiration to me.
I admired  him for his strength of character and faith in God. The joy of the Lord in him could always put a smile on your face . 
My mother always had a special place in her heart for him.
May God comfort you and hold you in His arms as you go through this sorrowful time. 

John 16:22

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

 


OBITUARIO

Ernest Baca Tafoya

6 septiembre, 1945 – 23 enero, 2021

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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