AUBURN -- Ernest Ray "Ernie" Fernatt, 67, of Auburn, formerly of Elkhart, died at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2009, in his home.

He was born June 1, 1942, in Hugheston, W.Va., to Ernest Joe and Ethel (Kimbler) Fernatt.

Mr. Fernatt is survived by two daughters, Lania R. (David) Kieft of Elkhart and Cindy B. (Win) Strock of Kingsland, Ga.; two sons, Allen D. Fernatt of Osceola and Ray Fernatt Jr. of Elkhart; six grandchildren; and four sisters, Joyce Armitage of Auburn, Sheila Dorsey of Fayetteville, W.Va., Tina Goodwin of Belle, W.Va., and Norma Cook of Navarre, Ohio.

Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Mr. Fernatt was an avid animal lover who enjoyed listening to music. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and had worked at Whitehall, Elkhart.

Cremation will take place. A celebration of life gathering will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Sailor Community Center at Hubbard Hill Estates, 641 Hubbard Hill Lane, Elkhart.

Elkhart Cremation Services, 2100 W. Franklin St., is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, P.O. Box 123, Elkhart, IN 46515.