Ernestine Jean (Casteel) Mooney passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 16, 2017 at her home in Boise, ID. She was 88.

Ernestine was born on May 31, 1928 in Rochester, PA to Ernest W. Casteel and Elinor J. (Graule) Casteel. She grew up in Vanport, PA and attended schools in Beaver. She graduated from Geneva College and married William T. Mooney in 1949.

Between 1950 and 1957 she had five children; Philip W., Kenneth D., Ernest T., Cynthia L., and William T., Jr. To say she was organized, hardworking, and optimistic would be a significant understatement. She was the "rock" we were all tethered to and she led by example.

Ernestine and family built a home next door to her mother and father in Vanport and lived there until 1962 when they moved to Brighton Township. She was very close to her parents and that provided a special bond between her and her family and parents.

Ernestine was actively engaged with her children’s activities throughout their school years; PTA, Cub Scout den mother, Brownie and Girl scout leader, and Little League organizer to name a few. She was always an all-around mentor and supporter to her children.

In the early 1970’s the family moved to N. Olmstead, OH when Bill took a position there. A few years later he transferred to Boise, ID. The wide open spaces of the West appealed to Ernestine and her family. At her home there she enjoyed tending large vegetable and flower gardens for many years. On weekends and holidays they loaded up the RV and picked many other locations to explore throughout the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest.

In the 1980’s, they built a retirement home of their design in Cascade, ID and enjoyed their children, grandchildren and friends visiting with them there. With their children grown and on their own, Bill took a position overseas in Germany in 1985. Ernestine went with him and they were able to travel throughout Europe and had a wonderful time. Returning to the states, Bill took another job in 1988 in Portland, OR and then another in Grays Harbor, WA and then returned to Clackamas, OR in 1990. At each location she set up another home and then went about visiting the area around her and welcoming her family and friends for visits and holidays.

Ernestine was always known as an open, giving woman, who made it a point to introduce herself to neighbors and get involved in community events. She always led with a smile and welcoming handshake.

When Bill passed away in 1991, Ernestine returned to Boise again and bought a house in Willowbook, a retirement community. Her daughter Cynthia and son William, Jr. and their families, already living the Boise area, provided nearby family support.

Willowbrook turned out to be a perfect fit for her and she flourished there. She helped found the Women of Willowbrook club and joined in organizing and promoting activities for the community members. She helped collect and publish a couple of cookbooks of the favorite recipes of the community members. They took bus tours through the Canadian Rockies, traveled to Las Vegas shows, and organized a few cruise ship vacations, including one through the Panama Canal.

Willowbrook was also where she found a passion for pinochle. It resulted in a group called the Grannies. They made a Friday or Saturday night an event between good friends each week for many years.

Ernestine is survived by her son Philip and wife Linda of Sitka, AK and their children; Jason and wife Crystal of Redmond, OR and great grandchildren Emmitt and Olivia; Brenna of Bend, OR; Nicholaas Perkins and wife Danielle of Anchorage, AK; Anthony Perkins, Maryke and Chaix, all from Sitka, AK; son Kenneth and wife Sandee of Tarpon Springs, FL, and their children Justin Dillion of Charleston, SC and great grandchildren Chase and Lucas; Jessica (Dillion) Smith and husband Christopher of Tarpon Springs, FL and great grandchildren Dylan and Carson; son Ernest’s children Kimberley (Mooney) Ehlers and husband David of Portland, OR and great grandchildren Andrew, Leo, and Henry; Matthew of Portland, OR and great grandchildren Maddix and McKayla; Jeffrey and wife Tara of Portland, OR and great grandchildren Wyatt and Silas; daughter Cynthia’s and husband Randy St. Clair’s children of Boise, ID, Carrie St. Clair and great grandchildren Hayden, Ethan, and Jordan; and Pamela St. Clair of Portland, OR; son William, Jr. of Boise, ID and children Andrea Mooney of Stevensville, MT and great grandchild Zoey; and Scott and wife Paige of Boise, ID.

Ernestine is also survived by her sisters-in-law; Marilyn (Mooney) Bazley of San Diego, CA; Thelma (Mooney) Santee of Philadelphia, PA; and Dorothy (Wain) Casteel of Wilton Manors, FL. She is survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Ernest and mother Elinor, husband William, brother Vernon (Topper) Casteel, brother-in-law Robert Mooney, sister-in-law Donna (Mooney) Randall, daughter Cynthia, and son Ernest.

Ernestine was a loving, caring mother who sacrificed many things to benefit her family. She was the consummate “team player” who took on any task with vigor and met it head to head. Yet she preferred not ever being the center of attention. She chose to work with people rather than against them but could hold her own at any venue if needed. Those who knew her well would describe her style as charming, embracing, and sassy; a real credit to how she managed her 88 years with grit, purpose and determination. It made her an example to live by and one that we'll miss immensely.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date, according to her wishes. Donations or remembrances in her name may be sent to the Idaho Youth Ranch, 5465 W. Irving St., Boise, ID 83706. Local: 208-377-2613; toll free 1-877-817-8141. www.youthranch.org

---

 Service Information