Christie

Ernest “Ernie” W. Christie, 91, a resident of East Main Street, Grove City, Pine Township, Mercer County, since 1946, died at 5:40 a.m. Thursday at the VNA Inpatient Hospice, Butler, following a brief illness.

Born in Liberty Township, Mercer County, he was the son of Harry W. Christie and Ina Viola Frantz Christie.

He married Mary Louise Heasley on Dec. 27, 1947, and she died April 5, 2000.

He retired from Cooper Energy Services, Grove City, where he was a supervisor for many years. Following his retirement from Cooper, he was a motor coach driver for Grove City Bus Lines, Butler Motor Transit and Coach USA.

Mr. Christie was a member of East Main Presbyterian Church, Grove City.

A 1936 graduate of Grove City High School, Ernie served in the U.S. Army, during World War II.

He was a member of American Legion Post 220, Grove City, and the former Grove City Elks Lodge. He was an avid bowler, and he bowled a perfect game in his lifetime. Also, he enjoyed his family, friends and gardening.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda L. Brown and her husband, Stephen, of East Patchogue, N.Y., and Diana L. Cooper and her husband, Robert D., of Wexford; a son, Edward E. Christie and Carol of Harrisville; a sister, Agnes Ryan of Butler; a brother, Homer W. Christie and his wife, Jean, of Grove City; seven grandchildren, Mark Brown, Tara Christie Robinson, Lauren Cooper, Carrie Christie, Melinda Brown, Rachelle Christie and Ashley Cooper; and two great-grandchildren, Jonah and Chase.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elsie Louise Christie; and two brothers, Harold and Paul Christie.

<B>CHRISTIE </B>— Funeral services for Ernest “Ernie” W. Christie, who died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, will be at <B>Cunningham Funeral Home</B>, 306 Bessemer Ave, Grove City, Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bill Hoffman, pastor of East Main Presbyterian Church, officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Burial will be at Crestview Memorial Park, Grove City.