Rebecca Earnst, age 82, passed away on October 3, 2026, at Allure of Lake Storey Assisted Living Facility
She was born on May 9, 1944, in Galesburg, Illinois to Herman and Doris Vancil. Upon graduating from Galesburg High School, she worked as a bookkeeper at the Holiday Inn in Galesburg. She married the love of her life, Donald Earnst, on August 24, 1968, and they subsequently made their home in Knoxville. On October 6, 1970, she gave birth to her and Donald’s son, Kurt. Both she and Donald owned and operated Handy Electric Plumbing and Heating in Knoxville until their retirement.
Preceding her in death are her parents and her younger brother, Joseph Vancil of Virginia. She is survived by her husband Donald; her son Kurt (Denae) Earnst of LaPorte, Indiana; her granddaughter Alyssa Earnst of LaPorte, Indiana and her older sister Judy Nichols of Galesburg. The family has decided that there will be no formal service.
