Erna Mae Boles

Erna Mae Boles, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023, in Washington, MO. Born in Leslie, Missouri, on November 21, 1941, Erna Mae was a beacon of love, faith, and devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Erna Mae was a proud graduate of Union High School. Her dedication to her work was evident throughout her career, where she served as a secretary in various capacities including the Union School District and the Meramec Valley R3 School District as a payroll clerk, from where she retired in 2001. Her spirit of service extended to her church, where she was an active member and served as the secretary for the Antioch Christian Church LIFT (Ladies in Fellowship Together). Erna Mae also volunteered for several service organizations as well.

Erna Mae was united in marriage to her first husband, James Hendricks, on March 12, 1960, in Beaufort, MO. She was an excellent homemaker, raising their three daughters while working full time. Despite her busy career, she always found time to enjoy life and create beautiful memories with her family. Travels with James and the girls to Pomme De Terre Lake were fondly remembered, as were fishing trips and the simple joy of spending time together.

After James' passing in 2001, Erna Mae found love again with her childhood friend, Jim Boles. They were united in marriage on March 27, 2010, and enjoyed traveling to places like Alaska, Maine, and California. Even simple drives through the country brought them joy. Erna Mae was also a lover of gospel music and enjoyed day trips to the Meramec Music Theater.

Erna Mae was a devout Christian woman who loved people like Jesus does. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of Union, later Antioch, and most recently the Spring Bluff Baptist Church. Her love for people was evident in her active participation in church activities and her role as a steadfast friend to many.

Survived by her loving husband, Jim of Sullivan, MO; three daughters: Sherri Williams of Union, MO, Kristi Fleming and husband Joe of Beaufort, MO and Jimi Hendricks and fiancé Casey Cress of Union, MO; a stepdaughter, Laura Shaw and husband Kevin of Union, MO; six grandchildren: Nicki Meyer and husband Brian of Union, MO, Kevin Williams and wife Lauren of Marthasville, MO, KC Fleming and wife Kayla of Beaufort, MO, Kody Fleming and wife Jessie of Gerald, MO, Danielle Brooks of Labadie, MO, Tommy Brooks of Union, MO, Matthew Ransom of Valley Park, MO; 11 great-grandchildren: Ian, Isaac, Grayson, Beckham, Annie, Eli, Tucker, Mabel, Charlie, Gideon, and Skyler; a nephew, Kevin Westermann of Leslie, MO; and a sister-in-law, Berniece Westermann of Leslie, MO; other extended relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Hendricks; a great-grandson, Eldon Joe Fleming; a son-in-law, Jim Williams; her parents, Charles and Vera Westermann; and a brother, William Westermann.

Arrangements for cremation have taken place. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Antioch Christian Church in Leslie, MO on Saturday, August 12th. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life taking place at 1:00 PM. A meal will be provided in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Live Like Jake Foundation In Memory of Eldon Fleming (non-profit organization that supports families of childhood drownings) or the Spring Bluff Baptist Church. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Erna Mae’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.