Ernesteen Helen Litschke

Lifelong resident of Chinook, Ernesteen H. Litschke, 94, died August 25, 2012 in Aberdeen. She was born at her parents, Issac Newton and Katie Lena (O'Fling) Belknap's home, on November 16, 1917. She was one of three children. She attended Chinook grade school and graduated from Ilwaco High School. Ernesteen married Long Beach, WA resident William F. Litschke on January 11, 1945 in San Diego. They established their home in Chinook and raised their family there. William passed away in 1989. Ernesteen worked for Chinook Packing Company, but was most known as the cook at the Chinook Grade School for many years. William also drove the school bus. She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Chinook PTA and Methodist Ladies Aid. Ernesteen's first priority was always her family, both immediate and extended. She love hosting family holiday events. Helping neighbors and friends were important to her. Ernesteen is survived by daughters Katie (Jim) Engel of Chinook and Frances (Dick) Carter of Tumwater; sons Fred Litschke of Prineville, OR and Bill Litschke of Long Beach, WA; grandchildren Rich Carter, Jim Engel, Rob Engel, Sarah Kirsch and Kate Guerrerd; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and a nephew, Robin Belknap of Green Valley, AZ. She was proceeded in death by her brother Bob Belknap and sister Kathleen Belknap. A Celebration of Ernesteen's life will take place at the Chinook School gym on September 15, 2012 between 1:00 and 3:00 PM. The family has requested that donations be made to Friends of Chinook School - PO Box 243 - Chinook, WA 98614. Arrangements by Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach.