Stephen Douglas Ernst, age 64, died of a heart attack in Jefferson County on Sunday October 7, 2018, after an amazing day on horseback. Steve was born June 24, 1954 in Helena, Montana. He was the 5th of 6 children of William Ernst and Beverly Bright.
In 1972 Steve graduated from Helena High School and soon thereafter married Margaret (Maggie) Farmer. They had 3 children: Jeff, Josh, and Nikki. Steve and Maggie later divorced.
Steve had many careers which included AA Garage, Buttrey Foods, Prudential Insurance, USF&G, owner of Black Diamond Jewelry store in Big Sky, and an Insurance Salesman.
Steve was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all riding horses. He touched many lives with his jokes, wisdom, and generous heart. He was a Cub Scout Leader and recently a member of the Last Chance Backcountry Horseman club.
Steve was preceded in death by his father Bill and a brother Pat. Survivors include mother Beverly Ernst; sisters Karen Hall, Cheryl Warren, Sheila Heinrich; brother Dan Ernst; sons Jeff (Salina) Ernst & Josh Ernst (Bobbie Gardner) both of Helena; daughter Nikki (Cory) Jones of Lake Worth Florida; and grandchildren Daniel Ernst, Emma Ernst, and Lyli Ernst all of Helena. Other survivors are Jamie Roberts, Stormy Watne, Janine Keiper, and Steve’s dog Charlie.
Services will be held at the First Christian Church, 311 Power St, Helena on Saturday, October 13th at 1:00. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite “Steve” story or memory. There will be a reception immediately following the service at Smith’s Bar in East Helena.
Memorials are suggested to the Last Chance Backcountry Horseman PO Box 4008, Helena, MT 59604 or special organization of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Steve.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday October 13, 2018
First Christian Church
311 Power St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
Following the service
Saturday October 13, 2018
Smith's Place
3 E Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Kris Brockway says
My condolences to the family and friends of Steve. He had become a close friend of mine the past 10 years and I enjoyed his company very much. I will miss seeing him and having a good laugh over a cocktail. He was always supportive of me in my recent carrier change and it was something we had in common. From the jokes to the “headaches” we shared, “Saluti-tooty-fruity” my friend, until we meet again!
cheryl warren says
Steve you will always be my little brother. I hope you remember me taking care of you and later on you giving me a few life advice and insurance advice.
Your Big Sister
Cheryl
Sara Graveley-Moody says
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing..I remember riding with him and his teaching my daughter a few Equine tricks! ..He made beautiful jewlery which I still have a pair of earrings he gave me years ago. My thoughts and prayers to all who knew him .
Bobbie Scott says
To Steve’s family my deepest symapthy. I knew Steve many years ago when we were in our twenties. He was working at Buttreys with my husband and we lived next door to Steve and Maggie in a duplex on Country Club Avenue. My heart breaks for his children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Linda Duncan says
Steve was a GOOD friend of mine even though we haven’t seen or talked much over the last 7 years, but we would have picked up right where we left off. He was a good sales person, had that “gift to gab” with anybody. He was kind. He made me feel good about myself even though our manager tore HIM down and was rude to him at any chance, even in front of others or the phone calls.
I felt so bad for him because I knew the guy was wrong in treating him that way. I finally had enough and quit the company. I knew Steve loved horses. Guess I never shared that I was a president of East Slope BCH in Conrad at one time. He was always fun to be around, we enjoyed some good meetings. I was schocked to hear of his death as was one of the other managers and another agent who thought a lot of him. I have chose not to come to his services because quite frankly “he” won’t be there, so I will pray that he meets both of my husbands and other BCH members on that Heavenly ride. My sincere sympathy for all his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.
Paul Smith says
My life has been made better because of Steve. As long as I live I will think of Steve each day. He was more than a friend to me. He became part of my life. Not everybody is that blessed.
So, my good friend, until we meet again.
Paul, your West Virginia friend.
Kris Sullivan says
I was shocked to read that Steve had passed away. He was too young to leave his children and grandchildren and be called to his final resting place.
I knew Steve many years ago and I haven’t seen him in years. Last week Steve’s memory came to my mind, but I wasn’t sure why. Now I know. I wish I could have spoken to Steve one more time, but it sounds like he was happy, on his horse, in the outdoors, where he always loved being.
Nikki, Josh, and Jeff…keep telling stories about your dad and he will live in your heart forever.
Prayers,
Kris Sullivan
Townsend
Kris Sullivan
Townsend
Carol Miller says
I am very saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. He was a valued friend. I will always remember our discussions and laughter while enjoying an adult beverage. Steve was always someone you could turn to even if it was just for a heartwarming laugh. He made my life better in so many ways and my hope is that he knew just how much.
My heartfelt thoughts to his family. You had a very wonderful man in Steve.