FAIRVIEW-- Erika Schindler Earnest, 88, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at The Meadows in Fulton. She was born February 25, 1937, in Sudetenland, Germany, to the late Edward Schindler and the late Hermine Kioselg Schindler, during tumultuous times. Erika's early life was marked by hardship and loss. Forced to leave her home due to the unrest in her homeland, she persevered through adversity with an unwavering strength, and laughter through her jokes. In her youth, she worked several jobs, including in a chocolate factory and coffee houses, laying the foundation for a life of hard work and resilience.In the early 1960s, seeking a fresh start and the promise of new opportunities, Erika moved to the United States and became a naturalized citizen. She quickly became a valued member of the community in Pennsylvania, and later in Itawamba County, where she worked in various roles, including in grocery stores, sewing for the public, and in garment factories. No matter the job, Erika approached every task with dedication, earning the respect and admiration of those who knew her. Outside of her work, Erika was passionate about gardening, with a special love for flowers. She had a remarkable green thumb and found great joy in cultivating beautiful blooms in her garden. Her love for animals was evident, and she took great pride in spending time with her family and friends, creating a home filled with warmth, love, and laughter. Erika's legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all who were touched by her kindness, work ethic, and resilience. She was a woman who faced life's challenges head-on, always with grace and determination, and she inspired those around her to do the same. Her memory will forever be cherished, and she will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Monday May 5, 2025, at Senter Funeral Home with Bro. David Perry officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday May 5, at Senter Funeral Home.
Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
She is survived by her daughter, Debra Lynch of Fairview; sons, Charlie (Jamie) Powers of Morgantown, WV, and Derek (Jaren) Earnest of Marietta; step children, Keith (Jennifer) Earnest of Mantachie, Ralph (Katherine) Earnest of KS, and Regina Higgins of Warrior, AL; grandchildren, Charlie David Powers, Haven Earnest, Neilee Earnest, Larry Earnest, Michael Earnest, Shane Earnest, Bobby Higgins, Jantina Earnest, Jennifer Earnest, and Hope (Malcolm) Jones; sister, Ingrid Oberhofer, of Sudetenland, Germany; niece, Sylvia Oberhofer, of Sudentenland, Germany; and nephews, Eduard Schindler, and Manfred Schindler, both of Sudetenland, Germany.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gaddis R. Earenst; her parents; son in law, Jeff Lynch; and brother, Eddie Schindler.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.senterfuneraldirectors.com