Mr. Earnest “Ernie” C. Woodruff, 87, of Abingdon, Illinois passed away at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 12, 2025, at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center.
He was born on April 17, 1938, in Avon, Illinois to his parents Buster and Leona (Riney) Woodruff. He married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Branch Norris on April 14, 1973, in Abingdon.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat, three sons, Brian Woodruff, Jimmy (Teri) Norris both of Abingdon, and Jacky Norris of Florida, four daughters, Gayle Woodruff of Branson, Missouri, Traci (Ben Shepherd) Woodruff of Abingdon, Patti (Thomas) Burke of Virginia, and Vicki Norris of Galesburg, one sister, Karon Lamkin of Yuca, Arizona, twenty grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many great great grandchildren. Ernie is also survived by his faithful companion, Charmaine. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Richie Woodruff and Ricky Norris. three brothers, Benjamin “Ben” Woodruff, Kenny Woodruff, and Aaron Woodruff, one sister, Evelyn Lester and two grandchildren.
Ernie attended Abingdon area schools and went on to enter the workforce as a welder at Caterpillar Inc. He spent 30 years there before retiring in 1993. Ernie was a proud member of the Oquawka Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time hunting and fishing, often at Avondale Lake. He had a knack for tinkering around with old tractors and found time working in his yard to be very peaceful.
Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the chapel. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg, Illinois. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
