Joanne T. Ernster

Born in Woonsocket, South Dakota on November 22, 1930 to Albert and Mary Forbes, Jody grew up on the family farm outside Woonsocket with three brothers, three sisters, and her favorite dog, Poochie. Her idyllic world was shaken when in 1945 her father suddenly passed away. She graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1948 participating in choir, band, newspaper reporting and cheerleading, before attending St. John’s School of Nursing in Huron, South Dakota where she was Miss St. John’s 1949, graduating in 1951. She became engaged to her “enticing” new pharmacist friend, Al Ernster, prompting a move to Mitchell, South Dakota. Jody and Al were married at St. Wilfrid’s Catholic Church in Woonsocket in 1953.

With the birth of Joel and Mary, the growing family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska for Al’s dental degree. There, they added sons, Scott and Greg to the fold. The family eventually settled in Colorado Springs where they welcomed their fifth child, Molly. Along the way Jody worked as a registered nurse to help support the family.

Jody quickly involved herself in school, church and other activities. Among her many roles were church organist, choir member, linen minister, school nurse, PTO president, Dental Auxiliary President, dental office manager, sewing expert embroidering a unique blanket for every grandchild and great grandchild, and avid bridge player, stating that “bridge was my only hobby that I didn’t feel like I was wasting my time”. All the while, she was supporting her husband and five growing children. She could seemingly effortlessly put together Christmas celebrations for 25 or more, including baking dozens of cookies and treats. Travelers were warmly welcomed and always had a place to stay at Jody’s.

Jody is preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by son, Joel (Janice) and their three sons, Nick, Jonathan, and Mark (Jessie) and their children, Scottie and Bruin; her daughter Mary (Kyle Andrews) and their daughter Isabella; her son, Scott (Dawn) and their children, Kaylei, Adam and Roy; her son Greg (Suzanne) and their children Lauren (Logan Niebur) and their children Luke, Nolan and Alice and Paul (Julie) and their son Van; and her daughter Molly (Mike Lush) and their children Max, Alec, and Sophia.

Survivors also include siblings, Janice Warner (Mclean, VA) and James Forbes (Fresno, CA)

Visitation will occur from 5-6:30 pm, followed by rosary at 6:30 pm, on Monday September 23, 2024 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 927 N Logan Ave.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on September 24, 2024 at Divine Redeemer.

Burial is to follow at Memorial Gardens, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, where flowers may be sent.

Reception and celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm at Colorado Springs Country Club, 3333 Templeton Gap Rd. after the funeral and burial.

Memorials may be sent to Colorado Springs Catholic Charities or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Stonecreek at Flyinghorse, Liberty Heights, Adobe Hospice and Penrose-St. Francis Hospitals.

Service will be streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@DivineRedeemerCOSprings/streams