La Grande, Oregon
Kathryn Fae Davis of La Grande and formerly of St. Paul, died April 2 at a local care home.
Kathryn was born in St. Helens to Fae and Lillie Irene (Rich) Harford. Her father died when she was a young girl, and her mother later remarried Tom Blum, who became a big part of her life.
She and her husband, Lester “Sledge” Ernst, owned and operated Ernst Hardware Store in St. Paul until 1964. They had a son, Lester Fae Ernst, who died when he was a young child.
Lester preceded her in death in 1969. On March 10, 1970, she married Joe Davis, and they moved to Summerville in July 1990.
Kathryn enjoyed working in the hardware store with the knickknacks and decorations, and her poodles. She especially enjoyed deer hunting in Paisley, her llamas and flowers, and she loved the blossoming cherry trees in her cherry orchard. Upon moving to Summerville she added feeding the deer
and her horses to her list of enjoyments.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Claudia and Sam Smith of St. Paul; five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Cemetery Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande 97850.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending April 14, 2007 Published: April 14, 2007