Constance Holt Ershick
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Constance Holt Ershick, 74, of Lenexa, Kansas left us in her sleep January 13, 2021.
She was a gift from God on September 22, 1946 to her beloved parents Walt & Wanda Holt. Both preceded her in death along with her Son Eric Ershick.
Connie and the Love of her life, James Ershick, were married on June 19, 1965, and spent more than 55 wonderful years as husband and wife.
Connie first and foremost loved being a Wife, Mother and Friend. Other interests were entertaining, cooking, gardening, sewing, decorating and being there to help others. Connie did so many things for so many people and touched so many lives. She was a passionate, hands on, selfless and an empathic person. Connie was and always will be a shining example of love, kindness and an inspiration to all of us left behind.
She leaves to honor her memory – Her husband James Ershick; Three siblings; A daughter Lisa and husband Roger Jones; Five grandchildren: Jacob Jones, Gabriel Jones, Isaac Jones, Zachary Jones and his wife Hannah, Jacque Green and her Husband Shawn; Sister-in-law Joyce Holt; One great granddaughter Madisyn Jones; One step-great grandson Maddic Green; and one great granddaughter due any day Addalynn Green.
Private family final good byes will be Friday January 22, 2021 with cremation following.
To Honor Connie, she would like any memorials to go to the Marines Toys for Tots in her memory and for her Marine Father Walt and her Marine Son Eric.
Mr Ershick…Jim,
Your family brings back so many wonderful memories, ones that make me smile, laugh, and even cry.
Stay strong for Lisa and her family. You’ve always been a shining example of what a friend, father and grand father should be.
Always in my prayers,
George Begnaud
(Of the Colorado Begnaud clan)
Its hard to believe I met this lady 20+ years ago..
In my book Connie will be remembered as a kind, loving, sometimes stubborn, classy lady who wore high heels and bling on her John Deere tractor.
We had a lot in common, she loved to shop, loved animals, decorating, entertaining, working in her yard and painting. She was always painting!!
She also liked to cook and those who know me know how much I hate to cook.
One of the first things we ever did together was paint. While we were painting we talked about cooking. I told her how much I hated preparing meals and she took it as I couldn’t cook. I will never forget what she said next… she said “Chris, I would be happy to prepare 2-3 meals a week for you and your family. Guess what, she was serious!!!
When Don and I got married she wanted us to have our ceremony in her back yard…she and her husband spent hours creating a gorgeous back drop for a beautiful wedding. Until today I didn’t know she spent hours researching how to have everything blooming at the same time. Whether it was supposed to or not. It was absolutely perfect!!!
The thing is Connie did so many things for so many people and touched a lot of others lives as well.
I am very blessed to have known her and am thankful for our time together.
Until we meet again my friend know that you are loved and will be missed.????
Connie was an amazing part of our lives. From hosting our wedding, to being there whenever we needed them, to making certain that we stayed connected, even from 1200 miles away, she and Jim have always been special to us and always will be.
We will always cherish their friendship and we will miss all the wonderful times with them both. Connie, we will miss you greatly, but we will be here to support Jim as he recovers from the loss of his soulmate.
We love you,
Don & Chris Futrell
Such a loving and compassionate woman. Loved being her neighbor. Our time together was too short. Will miss her friendly “hello neighbor” call out. Know that Heaven will be a livelier Paradis with Connie present. Our prayers with you Jim and family.
What a beautiful obituary about a wonderful lady. Connie we will miss you next door and think of you daily, particularly as we over look your beautiful backyard garden. We will be here for Jim to support him and help him in any way he needs us. Rest peacefully Connie and enjoy your reunion with your son and parents in heaven.
Jim,
Our condolences go out to you and Lisa and family. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
I have so many good memories of times spent with Connie. I could write a book on the fun things we shared during the 60+ years I knew her. Things from going to school together to continuing our friendship after we were married to growing ol….well, just growing together.
One of my favorite memories is when Connie turned 50 and you had a surprise birthday party for her. You decorated 5 appliance boxes and 5 of us girls from Edison school days popped out of each box individually. She was truly surprised! And Eric was dressed up as an Elvis impersonator which just added to the fun.
I remember the times Connie and I would stay at Eric’s house in Dallas and she would take me shopping at Dillard’s Outlet. That girl could shop for hours without stopping but I always had to take a break for lunch. Connie said we couldn’t take the time to go get something to eat so she brought some cheese and crackers that she stuffed in my mouth every time I mentioned I was growing faint from hunger! I also remember she bought a pink cowboy hat and pink cowboy boots to add to her girly collection of cute “cowboy” stuff.
Someone mentioned she wore high heels while driving a John Deere tractor but she also wore her false eyelashes at the same time. Her make-up closet looked like a department store and when I would visit she would load me up with all kinds of goodies to take home with me. Her generosity was endless. Or maybe she just thought I needed a lot of help!
The times Tony and I have shared with you and Connie are priceless memories. You two made a great pair and when we were with both of you our “fun-o-meter” was always topped out.
I’m beyond sad that I lost a best friend but at the same time I count my blessings that I was fortunate enough to have this remarkable woman (and her husband) in my life for so many years. As Connie & I always ended every conversation with I Love You ….here’s to you Connie…I will ALWAYS Love You. Thanks for the memories…….
LaVeta
P.S. Jim, thank you for taking such good care of Connie. In sickness and in health-you were there for her.
LaVeta
Connie was such a wonderful neighbor. I really appreciated her thoughtfulness last year when she brought Tom and I a fantastic dinner. She became a buddy seeing her at PT multiple times. Will miss her
Connie ,l will miss you dear friend. Everybody said so many nice things about this lady. She is such a loving Mom ,wife, friend, grandma,so kind to everyone she meets. Such a giving , supportive person, she loved to cook for people ,we talked alot about gardening. Jim and Connie got us into ponds and how to make creek beds, they always had such ,beautiful landscaping. I’m going to miss her terribly, we talked about kids an parents, I will truly miss her. l Love her, she was a really good friend, I’m so sadden for this lose, I will never for get her, she was one of a kind. Thank God for such a good friend.
Connie, thank goodness I know right where you are. Heaven sparkles even more because you are there and I know you are spreading joy everywhere, as you meet and greet all of your friends and loved ones on the Other Side. We met almost 30 years ago, but it wasn’t until a few years ago we became such great friends. To think, I found someone who shops just like me, what a delight! The thrill of the hunt was wonderful! I came to love you so much, you are like a sister to me though I never told you that. Thank you for everything you have shared with me and given to me. I always enjoyed your special smile and laughter. I definitely was the lucky one.
Say, when you hear I’m coming, be sure and have the Thrift Shops in Heaven scoped out. I’ll meet you at the closest one, just beyond the gate! I love you my dear!
Can’t believe I’m not going to talk to my friend Connie again. Going to miss that sweet voice when I answered her call. Good friends come into your life so sparingly that when they do it takes your breath. Even though we lived in different states we kept in touch with cards and phone calls. We knew what was going on in each other’s life. She would make the time to visit me when we moved around for my husband’s job. That meant so much to me. What a beautiful soul…… She could do and make anything (even my dream purse). Which we laughed about often.
Keeping Jim, Lisa and her family in our prayers. I plan on staying in touch with
them so I feel close to Connie.
Bless you my friend and thank you for being in my life. Love you!
Connie greeted all the neighbors with open arms. Such a caring, generous, people person. She showed her genuine self which made me feel as if we had been lifetime friends. She had energy to help anyone in any way possible. Thank you Jim for taking care of her through the difficult times. We are here for you.
So sad the losses are adding up too quickly now I turn 75 this Sunday GOD BLESS HER FAMILY!
Jim and family,
What a beautiful soul you all have lost! I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Connie was a neighbor and very dear friend. I loved coming to the house for your parties and Bunco. The best food ever!!! You are an awesome man for taking such good care of her! I will keep you all in my prayers!
Cathy Moreland
My Heart goes out to you and your family. I will always cherish our childhood days on Whitcomb Street in Indiana. Those precious memories will always hold a special place in my heart. Whenever I would catch up with Connie, it was as if we just spoke yesterday. She was a very special lady, I will never forget when I was feeling down at a time in my life, she sent me a lovely gift, just thinking of you. She knew when to be there. I am so happy I got the chance to chat with her before the holidays and fill each other in as to what was going on in our lives at that time. She loved her family dearly and also spoke so highly of you Jim, how she was so happy to have you by her side. She always gave me good cooking tips. I pray for you and your daughter and grandchildren. May the love of friends help you at this difficult time and may your cherished memories live on within your hearts forever.
Around 8 years ago, Connie and Jim came into our lives. They were the first neighbors who greeted us with open arms and we have loved them ever since. The beautiful moments we shared with Connie will be forever etched into our memories and hearts. You were always there to lend a helping hand and advice when we needed it most. We will miss our happy hours, talks, and dinners dearly. Your beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor will always live with us. Your generosity, kindness, and love will remain with us forever. God bless you and rest peacefully our dear friend.
Our prayers and love to Jim and the family. We will always be here for you.
So terribly saddened by the news of Connie’s passing. Although I didn’t know her after high school I have a picture in my mind of her smile & laugh. My sincere sympathy.
Jim and family,
It was heartbreaking to learn of Connie’s passing. She struggled with so much for so long. We are thankful her struggle is over. She was a kind and interested neighbor, full of talents she generously shared, always put together and lovely.
Now begins the new life path for the rest of you…living without her. You continue to be in our prayers as you grieve and we are here for you in any way you need!!
Lisa and Arthur
I have known Connie for at least 48 years. She was a true friend, always said it like it was, always honest & truthful. She & Jim coming from California always had bigger ideas than us Kansas people. She introduced me to BIG MAR, fake nails and new styles.
She finally came around to being a down to earth Kansas girl. She was an inspiration and you could tell her your deepest thoughts & she would respect you for who you were. As I would do the same for her. She will always be in my thoughts & prayers. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest & Peace AMEN.
Connie had a heart that embraced people and animals.My friendship with Connie began when she showed an interest in adopting a rescue Cavalier , Angel, I was caring for. Connie was the perfect potential parent . She was warm , nurturing and caring toward her dog, Frazier. She adopted Angel, which was the beginning of a long friendship .Life will never be the same without her.
Dear Jim and family,
How sad to hear that Connie has gone home to be with our dear Lord and Father! How blessed I was to have Connie as my childhood friend while living across the street from her on Whitcomb in Gary Heights, Indiana! She was my best friend and it helped that our parents enjoyed one another as well. It was a wonderful childhood, blessed by the friendship I had with Connie! I would tell my friends here in Texas that when I grew up I was the only Protestant on the block. All my neighbors were Catholic and went to Catholic Schools (as did Connie). Connie was the one brave Catholic soul who would walk to church (Lutheran) with me and then together we’d go to her Catholic Church. (What children today go to church on their own without parents? But we did!) Connie’s Catholic schoolmates would tell her that they were going to tell on her and that she was sure to go to…. (you know where!) Connie would boldly state that she was sure this was the same God since each was a house of the Lord! What wisdom and boldness!!! And this coming from someone around 9 years old! Although we moved a thousand miles away in 1958, Connie and I remained in touch over the years. I am sad that I will never see her again…but in my mind’s eye, Connie is still a child and full of life! I never knew the Connie many have described here, but I wouldn’t expect anything less of this amazing person who blessed so many others with her charm, intellect, talents and humility! Jim swept her off her feet in a bowling alley and they both bowled “a strike” in life!! My Deepest Sympathies!
Connie was such a beautiful lady inside and out with such a loving and enthusiastic presence. We are so thankful and appreciative to have had her in our lives and will miss her very much. She was the best neighbor and friend we could ever have had (Jim also). Jim, know you loved Connie with all your heart and her you. you did an amazing job taking care of her. We will hold her family close in thought and prayer.
With love & deepest sympathy
Don & Fran Johnson
Jim, I am so saddened for you, and must say shocked. I just remember us as we were almost 50 years ago. Connie was our leader, and taught all of us young wives and Mothers how to REALLY make a great meal, taught me how to crochet, and your apartment was the classy one, always!! I’ve read what others have said, and sounds like Connie continued to be the loving person always giving as she did when we all were together in California. I remember how she loved you and worshiped the ground you walked on. She thought you were a real “hottie”, and she was so proud to be your wife!! Those were the days, and as I said I remember all of us as we were then. Just hard to imagine time has slipped away so quickly! I will say special prayers for you as you have been through two losses now with Eric and Connie. She was one of a kind, and loved by so many!! Thank you Jim for letting me know.
Jim,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Thinking of you,
Braden Shielding Systems, LLC
Jim, Lisa & Family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you; Connie will be truly missed! The first time I met Connie I was sixteen years old, and I remember thinking this lady reminds me of Gloria Vanderbilt. She was so stylish, graceful, and refined. I had no idea that one day this incredible woman and I would become great friends. I loved the way she paid attention to every detail when cooking, decorating, setting a table, not to mention her style and makeup always perfect. This is not why I loved her, it was her way of making people feel special by sending little notes or great advice she would give (sometimes more honest than I was ready to hear) I knew it came from a good place. Truston’s favorite memory of Connie was when she invited him to a sit-down dinner, he was probably ten years old. She had set a beautiful table, and no doubt she had been cooking all day. He was so impressed, he told her how much he loved “the fancy table” he could not believe she did all that for him. I have so many fun memories from helping plan Chris and Don’s wedding to us sitting on the phone chatting. Heaven gained a Beautiful Angel.
Sending you Love,
Steph & Jeff Eichelberger
Jim, Lisa and family,
For 30 plus years Connie was a blessing in my life and one of my dearest friends. I have wonderful memories of shared laughter, tears and heartfelt confidences. We shared so many of the same interest. I remember her encouraging me to add more bling in nails, toes & jewerly and me begging her summer after summer not to dig up her hydrangeas because they weren’t blooming!
I’ll miss her terribly but her beatiful spirit will remain in my heart and her soul is resting in the peace of Christ our Savior.
Thank you Jim for your loving care of Connie this past year.
Connie was so special in my life for fifty years, and my life won’t be the same without her! She was always there for me when I didn’t have anyone else.
We shared happy times and sad times,
and we traveled the winding road of life together.
I guess I just adopted her entire family along with her.
Jim and Lisa have each other to treasure the many memories they have. This has been a difficult year and a half for them. First they lost their son/brother, and now they have lost their wife/mother.
Connie, I love you and will keep you in my heart until the day I get to be with you. I love you! Caroline
I have so many wonderful memories of of Connie starting from growing up together on Whitcomb Street and going to Sacred Heart Grade School and then attending Edison High School. One fond memory was when we were in grade school and we were Angels for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. We thought it was great to be able to stay up to so late for the procession. As we moved on through our grade school years and entered high school we were the best of friends. We both weighed about 102 pounds and we were always trying to gain weight including trying the protein drink “Weight On”. Oh! Those were the days, trying to “gain wait”. I recall our wonderful summers going to Miller Beach and spending the day sunbathing. We were in Dramatic Class together and Connie was quite an actress being cast in the lead role of one of our plays. Our friendship continued on for many years and I was Maid of Honor when she married Jim and also God Mother to Lisa her lovely daughter. When I decided to move to Los Angeles when Jim and Connie were living in Canoga Park. Connie was so kind as to offer me a place to stay until I got settled. Her kindness continued throughout the years. She would always cheer me up and send a note or a gift if I was feeling a little low. She was beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. Her makeup was always perfect and she always dressed beautifully. She could do anything she put her mind to doing. She was an expert seamstress, she decorated her home with exquisite taste, she was an outstanding cook, and she was fantastic at entertaining. Connie was an amazing woman and there are so many people who shall cherish her memory in the hearts forever. My deepest sympathy to Jim, Lisa and the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Joanne
Jim, Lisa, and Family,
I met Connie when I was in Jr. High School when her beloved Eric became my first love. I have so many wonderful memories of Connie, Jim, Lisa, and Eric in their wonderfully welcoming and beautiful home. She was a woman of confidence, charisma, compassion…I don’t believe there was a single thing she wasn’t capable of doing. Somehow we managed to stay in touch over the years, it wasn’t frequent, but it was always memorable, and we could always pick up right where we left off. I remember twirling flags in the back yard when Lisa and I were on flag team at SMNW; Jim would coach, Connie would cook, and Eric was always looking at the cute girls in the back yard. The world will shine a little less brighter for having lost you, Connie. That being said, your compassion, willingness to help with anything, and your love of family and friends will shine on as an example for us all. You earned your wings a long time ago as you worked incessantly as Jesus instructed us to do, I’m glad you can now fly high with your fellow angels, especially our Eric. You will be missed. You are missed. We will look after those who loved you best, as you have looked after us all these years.
Dear Jim and Family,
I only knew Connie for about 2 years as a nieghbor and friend. The time was to short but so sweet. A truly beautiful person inside and out. The best kind to know.
I do remember the first time meeting her at a gathering down the street. She instantly made us feel welcome and cared for. I really enjoyed our conversations at the ladies luncheons and FR3 events. I will always be thankful for her graciousness, warmth, and thoughtfulness to always make us feel so welcome. Talking with her always felt as though were old friends that never lost touch. She will be dearly missed. I hope you are comforted in this time, and that the peace of God is with you as you go forward.