Ernestine Eggers

Ernestine (Syring) Eggers passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on December 10, 1929, in Topeka, Kansas, to Harold and Myrtle Syring, the oldest of their three daughters. The family later moved to Washington, where Ernestine graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1947. Ernestine met the love of her life, Lawrence Eggers, on a blind date arranged by friends Bonnie and Al Jensen. They were married exactly two years later, on May 19, 1951. Together, they built their life on Lawrence’s family ranch, where they raised their three children: Ann, Rory, and Lyle. A dedicated partner on the farm, Ernestine also served her community as a school bus driver for the Waterville School District. She was deeply involved in numerous organizations, including 4-H (as both a leader and later a fair judge), Wheat Wives, the Philomathic Society, and The Waterville Players. Ernestine was a devoted member of the United Lutheran Church, where she made history as the first woman to serve on the church council. She also contributed as a Sunday School superintendent and teacher, sang in the church choir, and participated in the quilting circle. She was a talented seamstress who lovingly created many items for her children and grandchildren. Among the most cherished were the sleeping bags she made for her four oldest grandchildren—one of which has since been passed down to her oldest great-grandchild. In 2015, Ernestine and Lawrence moved to Orchard Crest Retirement Community in Spokane. There, she continued to share her talents and kindness by sewing for fellow residents, including making masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and crafting dinner scarves. Her generosity and spirit will be deeply missed. Ernestine is survived by her children: Ann (Bob) Higginson and Rory (Mary) Eggers of Spokane, and Lyle (Sheila) Eggers of Waterville; her grandchildren: Ashlee (Dale) Prey of Waterville, Kyle Eggers of Wenatchee, Jessica (Tieler) Walker of Spokane, Matt Allen of Spokane, and Sarah (Epi) Allen of Walla Walla; and her great-grandchildren: Travis, Chaz, Emily, and Fred, with a fifth great-grandchild expected in June. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her parents, Harold and Myrtle; and her sisters, Sharon and Carol. A service will be held Saturday, May 2nd at 1 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Waterville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernestine’s name to the United Lutheran Church in Waterville, the Waterville Ambulance Fund, or a charity of your choice. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Ernestine Eggers

December 10, 1929 - April 22, 2026