ERNST, MARGARET MERKLEY, 88, of Louisville, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2011. She was born on August 12, 1922 to James B. and Katherine M. Bandy in Detroit, MI. Margaret was raised in the Highlands and was often seen roller skating down Patterson Avenue or playing marbles along the sidewalk. After graduating from Atherton High School, she worked at The Federal Reserve Bank and Jeffboat before leaving work to raise her daughter and only child, Pamela. She married the love of her life, Cyril Gregory Ernst in 1947. They shared a love for music and dancing and spent many nights celebrating at Club Madrid. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always made everyone feel welcome and had a wide array of friends. She had a sensational spark for life, an incredible ability to listen and counsel to others, and an energy that did not know defeat. She cherished the City of Louisville and knew everything about its history, geography and people, as she rarely met a stranger. She made many of her closest friends early in life that remained dear friends throughout her 88 years. She was always surrounded by music and often found dancing in her wheelchair in her last couple of years. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Frick (husband and beloved son-in-law, Kenneth William Frick); brother, James Bandy; grandchildren, Travis Clinton Frick (Stephanie), Ashley Meredith Mungle (Rob) and Hunter Carson Frick; great-grandchildren, Lucy Margaret Frick and Ford William Frick. The last three years of her wonderful life were spent under the loving care of the Nazareth Home staff where she spent her free time enjoying sunny days on the patio, playing bingo (her favorite pastime) and befriending other residents and caregivers.
Memorial gifts in her honor can be made to Nazareth Home, 2000 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, with burial at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation is Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 2-7 p.m. at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Merkley Ernst, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.