Mildred Ernestine "Ernie" Cain

M. Ernestine "Ernie" Cain, age 96, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on November 23, 2024 at Labette Hospital in Parsons, Kansas.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial service will be held in Chanute, Kansas at a later date. The family has suggested memorials to the First Christian Church of Independence, Kansas and contributions may be left at Potts Chapel or at the First Christian Church of Independence, Kansas.

Mildred Ernestine "Ernie" Tripp Cain was born on November 20, 1928, in Chanute, Kansas, to Charles Earnest Tripp and Mildred Almedia (Webb) Tripp. One of ten children, she graduated from Chanute High School and married Charles Eugene Hinson. They had two children, Cynthia Ann Perry and Lillian Louise Belt. Divorcing in February of 1966, she married Waldo "Lee" Cain on June 22, 1968. Lee preceded her in death in December 2015 after 47 1/2 years of marriage. 

Ernie worked several years in the grocery business, including Darby's IGA and the Safeway Store that was located where Auto Zone now is. She worked for Union L/P Gas System for 17 years, then they moved to Topeka where she was a Shawnee County Federal Grant Administrator for four years until their return to the Independence area in 1976 and then worked and retired from Yerkes and Michels Accounting Firm.

Ernie was an active leader in Girl Scouts and with her church. Serving as Deacon and Elder in The First Christian Church of Independence, Kansas. She served as a reading mentor for several years at the Old Lincoln Elementary School, and was a volunteer at Home Health Care for Mercy Hospital. She loved her rural home, in the Sycamore Community, where she and Lee resided for over 50 years.

Ernie is preceded in death by her husband W. Lee Cain, her parents, daughter Cynthia Ann Perry of Shelton, Washington, one brother LaVerne Tripp of Grove, Oklahoma, and six sisters Rosella L. Birdsong of Hawaii, Shirley Allison of Olathe, Mary Deurmyer of Idaho, Eleanor Tripp of Chanute, Jeannie Gardner of Haslett, Michigan, and Goldie Burroughs of Chanute.

Ernie is survived by her daughter Lillian L. Belt of Independence, Kansas, her step son Fred L. Cain of Topeka, Kansas, brothers Richard Tripp and wife Donna, Tom Tripp and wife Terri, both of Chanute, Kansas, grandchildren Michelle Bish and husband Bob of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Nicole Brockelman and husband Kenny of Belfair, Washington, Becky Lay Bryant Young of Iowa, Rodger Perry and wife Maria of Belair, Washington, 11 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, including one set of twin girls, also surviving are a host of first cousins of which she was one of 46. Many of the cousins still meet each week at Chanute for breakfast. Her family celebrated their 90th Annual Webb Family Reunion in Chanute this year. She loved her church ties and her family ties as well as her many friends.