Ernestine Schenk, 72, of Rigby, Idaho, died Thursday, May 21, 2009, at her home. She was under the care of Hospice Alliance.

She was born August 6, 1936, in Roseville, California, to Lester and Audrey Astill. She attended schools in Roseville, and graduated from Roseville High School.

She married Walter Schenk June 3, 1955 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Roseville. They had one son, Steven in 1956. They then moved to Mendon,  Nevada on a 25,000 acre cattle ranch. They left a year later and moved to the Sacramento area where the rest of their children were born, Mike in 1959, Cindye in 1961, Cathy in 1962. The family moved to Jefferson County, Idaho in 1975.

She was a great cook, and she taught all her kids how to cook. She was known for her cooking. Some of her children's favorite's were her biscuits and gravy, her fried chicken, fried macaroni, and her chocolate chip cookies.

She loved to sew and did all kinds of crafts. She collected salt and pepper shakers, from all over the world. She had thousands of them and had to turn some away, because she had so many. She also collected hummingbirds, and her favorite color was purple.  She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Walter G. Schenk of Rigby; son, Steve of Idaho Falls; son, Mike of Idaho Falls; daughter, Cindeye of Idaho Falls; daughter, Cathy of Salt Lake CIty, UT; 6 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 2345 W. Broadway, Idaho Falls, with Pastor Matthew Swenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. (Click on service location for maps and directions)