Ernest S. "Ernie" Mast

Ernest S. Mast, age 83 of Lancaster, peacefully went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 7, 2024. He was the son of the late Raymond and Anna Mary (Sensenig) Mast.

Ernie was the devoted husband and best friend of Esther (Baer) Mast. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on August 11 and cherished times playing Scrabble, reading the Bible, and visiting with extended family.

Ernie is lovingly remembered by his family as a Godly and dedicated father. Surviving are sons: Eldon, (Terry Stutzman) of Longmont, CO, Dean (Jan Steffy) of Lancaster, and Dale (Shari Yoder) of Harrisonburg, VA.

He will be missed by his eight granddaughters Lily (Eve Rumi), Nina (Tate Redding), Zoe (Nathan Grabau), Olivia (Brent Dimmig), Sophia (Daniel Zook), Madeline (Erik Peachey), Yolanda (Josiah Hunsberger), Cosette (Jacob Crist), two grandsons, Kendrik (Sarah Beachy) and Quincy, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Ernie graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School (1959), Eastern Mennonite College (1967) and University of PA School of Social Work (1969). His social work career included 10 years at Millersville Youth Village (formerly Mennonite Children’s Home) and 23 years at Philhaven Hospital, Lebanon, PA.

Ernie faithfully participated in church life including the past 53 years at Witmer Heights Mennonite Church, Lancaster, where he served in various positions including church chair, elder, Sunday School teacher, and song leader.

Devoted to his wife and family, Ernie will be fondly remembered for his gentle nature, warmth, and genuine caring for others. His hobbies included reading, gardening, hunting, carpentry and painting projects.

Ernie is also survived by two brothers: Clair (Edwina Eberly), Michael (Mattie Marie Miller), and two sisters: Grace (Elvin) Stoltzfus,and Verna (Wes) Clemmer and a sister-in-law, Ruth Mast. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Decker, sister Pearl (Luke) Hurst and a brother, Leroy.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 25 at 11:00 am at Stumptown Mennonite Church, 2813 Stumptown Rd, Bird-in-Hand, PA. Informal greeting of the family will take place both before and after the service.

Interment will be privately held. Memorial contributions may be made in Ernie’s memory to Mennonite Disaster Service. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is entrusted with arrangements. Online remembrances and condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.