Ernestine M. Barkhimer

Barkhimer – Ernestine M., 91, of Ogle Township, formerly of East Conemaugh, went to be with the Lord on May 14, 2018 at St. Jude’s Haven. Born on November 26, 1926, in Johnstown, PA, daughter of Ralph Kovode and Frances A. (Woelfel) Ashbridge. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell H. Barkhimer; siblings, Ralph Ashbridge, Helene Ashbridge, Wilford Ashridge, Margaret Helen Ashbridge, Frances A. Warner, Rita Smith, LeRoy Ashbridge, and Delores Querry. She is survived by her loving children, Ernestine M., wife of Tom McCune, Russell H., married to the former Anna Berardi, and Randy L., married to the former Becky Lybarger; grandchildren, Traci (Leo) Feist, Damian (Katrina) Hartzell, Kelly (Bill) McCune, Danette Hartzell, Rachelle (Chris) Repko, and Alex Barkhimer; great grandchildren, Samantha (Nick) Vivis, Shane McCune, Damian Hartzell, Jayde Hartzell, William “Willie” Byers, Sara Hartzell, Mason Hartzell, and Isaac Repko; siblings, Elizabeth Mangus, Mary Cecelia O’Brien, Marlene Gahagan; sister-in-law, Diane Ashbridge and many nieces and nephews, including Raymond Holland. Ernestine was a graduate of the former Catholic High School, Johnstown and later a graduate of the former Windber Hospital School of Nursing. Her name is on a plaque at Windber Hospital commemorating her graduating class of 1947. She was employed at Windber Hospital and the former Lee Hospital, where she was a Registered Nurse. Ernestine was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Johnstown; and also, a past member of the former Assumption of the B.V.M. Catholic Church, East Conemaugh. She enjoyed horseback riding in Arizona, and skyping with her grandchildren. Ernestine also enjoyed traveling with her family to many places, including Puerto Rico, Germany, Austria, Amsterdam, St. Lucia, Hawaii, and numerous states within the U.S. Her passion was collecting music boxes from her travels within the U.S. and abroad. She shared many adventures on military bases with her granddaughter, SGT. Danette Hartzell, where they competed at the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Ernestine completed her mission and captured the spy. On a trip to the Titan Missile Museum in Arizona, Ernestine was picked to run the controls and push the button releasing a “mock” missile. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved her family dearly. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. on Monday (May 21st) at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil Service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (May 22nd) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fr. Walter J. Moll Jr., Pastor. Committal will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family suggests contributions be directed to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693 in memory of Ernestine. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.