Ernestine Brewer

Ernestine Kaloma Brewer passed away in Durango, CO on June 5, 2017, at the age of 100 yrs. She was born October 27, 1916, in a log house, 4 miles west of Bayfield to Armour and Freda Gearheart. She lived her entire life in the Durango area. She attended school in Bayfield and graduated from Durango High School in 1935. She married Orrel Brewer on January 15, 1938, in Cortez. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth, and sister Dorothy Noble. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Schwinkendorf, of Puyallup, WA; sister-in-law, Dorothy Brewer of Aztec and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Ernestine, “Ernie” worked at the F.W. Woolworth’s and was secretary/treasurer at the First United Methodist Church. She was a long time member of the church and worked with “Crafty Ladies” making items to sell at the bazaar every year. Even when her health began to fail, she sat at her dining room table, continuing to make crafts for the bazaar. She was a member of Esther Circle, Sarah Rebekah Lodge, Community Hospital Auxiliary, and she and her husband served as foster parents.
Ernie and Orrel were involved with the County Commissioners and Area Agency on Aging to raise funds and grants for a Senior Center and kitchen equipment for La Plata County. As a result, the 55+ Center, as well as meals for seniors were provided. She served on Council on Aging, both locally and regionally, as well as committees at the state level. She received the Citation for Aging Chairman at the state capital for outstanding work in this area. She was listed in the Worlds Who’s Who of Women in 1980, she was honored by Gov. Lamb as Senior Volunteer for the year.
She liked to travel and loved attending family events.
Memorial contributions can be made to Durango Senior Center, FUMC Christian School, McCurdy Ministries 261 McCurdy Road, Espanola, NM 87532.