Lynne M. Ernst (neé Oberdieck), age 62, was born January 9, 1964, in Granite City, IL, to Norman and Dorothy Oberdieck of Glen Carbon, IL. She passed away on March 20, 2026, in St. Louis, MO.

Lynne was a child of God, baptized into His family on February 16, 1964, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL. She attended Edwardsville High School and received her specialized certificate from Southern Illinois University. She spent over three decades serving in the medical field, first as a phlebotomist at Anderson Hospital and later as a Special Projects Administrator with Washington University.

Lynne married Leonard Ernst on December 30, 1994, and they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Viktoriya and Anastasiya Ernst. Showing up for family was deeply important to Lynne. She enjoyed traveling for family reunions, weddings, and funerals. She also fell naturally into the roles of family connector, historian, and custodian of family recipes.

Lynne's faith was shaped by her reliance on her Heavenly Father through years of treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, and resulting challenges from those treatments. Her positive updates were inspiring, and she learned humility, patience, and reliance on others through the care of her best friend, Carol Benning, who accompanied her to nearly every appointment.

Lynne was gifted with artistic ability. Her favorite outlet was the creation of greeting cards. What started as an extra-special, personalized touch for a birthday became a ministry. She taught others her craft.  She selflessly hand-crafted pieces to raise money for those in need. Additionally, in her final years of health challenges, she made dozens of cards at a time to thank the members of her medical teams and raise the spirits of hospital workers. Lynne found a community of like-minded artisans online and became a fast, loyal friend to many around the country.

Lynne loved to experience the history and culture afforded through travel. Shortly before she passed, she enjoyed two trips to Europe. Of all her travels with Leonard, their trips to Russia in late 2004, were her most favorite. It was there they adopted their daughters!

Lynne was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband, daughters, future son-in-law, Melvin Leatherwood, and granddaughter Za'Laya Leatherwood. She is also survived by two aunts, June Oberdieck and Ingrid Oberdieck; sister, Amy (Chris) Hathaway of Plato, MO; brother, Brian (Emma) Oberdieck of Elizabeth, IN; nephews, Conner (Ashley) Hathaway, Timothy (Josie) Oberdieck; Caeden Hathaway, Daniel (Grace) Oberdieck, and Joshua Oberdieck; four great nephews and nieces; multiple nieces and nephews on the Ernst side; and a myriad of cousins. Lynne will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on March 24, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center St., Maryville, IL 62062.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at Trintiy Lutheran Church, 512 Main St., Worden, IL 62097.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dustin Krystowiak officiating.

Interment will follow at New Douglas Cemetery, 808 Main St., New Douglas, IL 62074.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church.  You may bring your gift to the visitation or mail it either to Barry Wilson Funeral Home or Trinity Lutheran Church (addresses above).