Obituary for Ernestine "Ernie" A. (Smith) Root

Ernestine “Ernie” A. Root, of Portland, passed away on November 30, 2021 at the age of 85. She was born on February 25, 1936, the daughter of Bernard and Anna (Schafer) Smith. Ernie and her husband, Don owned and operated Ernie’s Root Cellar for many years where they made many lasting friendships. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Don Root; siblings, Carolyn (Bill) Wirth, Michael (Helen) Smith, Dorthea Kelley, Pat Baker, and Fritz (Joan) Smith. Surviving Ernie are her sister, Donna Hubbard; brothers-in-law, Keith Baker and Dick Kelley; special niece and nephew, Deb (Gary) Beard and their children and John (Cheryl) Baker; best friends, Peg Fox, Jim and Vera Dean, and Carrie (Joe) Huhn; she was the best grandma ever to Lydia, Zack, Charlie, and Blake; and many special nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be officiated by Pastor John Piercefield at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Visitors will be welcomed from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Those unable to attend the funeral service may view the livestream on the Lehman Funeral Homes – Portland Facebook page beginning at 1:00 p.m., Saturday. For those wishing, contributions may be made to the OCC Mission Team – Outreach Christian Church, 7381 Jordan Lake Road, Lake Odessa, MI 48849 or No Senior without a Christmas, P.O. Box 26182, Lansing, MI 48909. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.