Erna Bridges

CHARLESTON – Erna Bridges, 91, of Charleston, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Life's Journey of Mattoon.

A joint graveside memorial service honoring the lives of Erna and her husband Boyd, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Upper Ash Grove (Cochran's Grove) Cemetery, rural Windsor.  Military rites for Boyd will be performed by Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592 and the Charleston American Legion.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.

Erna was born October 11, 1925 at Birklar, Germany, daughter of Wilhelm and Maria (Becker) Engel.  She married Boyd Bridges, September 3, 1949 at First Christian Church of Mattoon.  He preceded her into Heaven, April 5, 2015.  She is survived by their children: Larry Bridges and David (Melody) Bridges, both of Charleston; grandchildren: Derek (Kim) Bridges of Charleston, Brooks (Anita) Bridges of Sacramento, CA, and J.R. Boyce and significant other Melissa Storm of Lerna.  Great-grandchildren: Geniffer Bridges, Adrianna Bridges, Kira Bridges, Jaxon Boyce, and Jace Boyce.  One brother: Kurt Engel of Germany; one nephew: Roland (Kerstin) Engel; and one great-nephew: Mark Engel, also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and daughter-in-law: Terry Bridges.

Erna was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Mattoon.  In earlier years, she had worked at Young's and Knowles Cafeteria.  Erna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was an excellent seamstress, a fantastic cook, and loved working crossword puzzles.