Ernestine Leif

Ernestine Leif, born on September 28,1938, in Montgomery, Alabama and grew up in Phenix City, Alabama. After graduation Ernestine worked for the Police department and won the title of MISS PHENIX CITY in 1958. Ernestine then met and married her husband Stanley James Leif, and they were married 63 years. After living in Alabama, she moved to Waco, Nebraska to live on the family farm. This was quite an adjustment for Ernestine, but she embraced farm life, and learned the value of hard work. She developed a love for gardening, canning, baking, chickens, hogs, cattle, and being there to cook. She took lunches to anyone that was working in the fields. In 1959, Ernestine and Jim started their family of five children: Donna, Barry, Mitchell, Teresa, and Lisa. Ernestine not only raised her children, but helped with the farm and took on jobs in the community to help support the family. She worked at the Utica Nursing Home, was a driver for special needs children, spent time as a waitress/bartender and volunteered at local functions. Her children and grandchildren loved all the family gatherings. Ernestine loved to dance and taught her children how to dance at a young age. Ernestine and her husband were beautiful ballroom dancers. Ernestine’s favorite dance was the Jitterbug. Ernestine was always present at the children’s athletics and school events. She was the biggest fan, and supporter.

In 1985, Ernestine embarked on a new chapter in her life. She became a Realtor with Home Real Estate for 29 years. Ernestine’s love of people, unwavering dedication and her heart of gold helped her to become a highly successful Realtor. She lit up the room everywhere she went, and she found immense joy in helping people.

Ernestine embarked on another chapter in her life, moving to Texas in 2021. She loved her Independence, having her own apartment at Legacy Oaks Independent Living, and never having to cook or clean, she felt like a princess! She was always so elegant, and every resident loved her!

Ernestine had 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Ernestine is preceded in death by her beloved husband Stanley James Leif (Jim), her mother, Eunice Bertha Mills, her father, Charles Hamilton Cox. Also preceding her are her sisters, Annie Marie Davis Cooper, Ella Sue Cook, and brothers Rufus Josephus Davis and Charles Hamilton Cox Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Donna and her husband Donn, Lisa and husband Marty and Teresa, and sons Barry and special friend Linda, Mitchell and his wife Dee, and a multitude of nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her deeply.

To honor Ernestine’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Hall in Utica, Nebraska 68456. A graveside service will be held at 10:30am on December 9, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Utica, Nebraska where mom’s ashes will be united with her husband, Stanley James Leif.

Ernestine Cox Leif will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion will endure. Her memory will forever inspire us to be better, kinder souls. Many will remember her bright smile and her ever-present positive attitude! Ernestine was just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. Her beautiful smile will never be forgotten!

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.