Bertha Hite

Bertha Mary (“Sis”) Hite passed away on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.  She was 94 years old and a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge.

Sis was a devout Christian and a member of First Testament Church, where she enjoyed worshipping and fellowshipping with her many special friends through the last several years.

Sis was a dedicated employee, working well into her 80’s.  She enjoyed careers as a drapery designer, secretary at Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, auditor for the Department of Natural Resources, and controller for Advantage Personnel – yet her most memorable was her time at the Louisiana Hospital Association, where she guided many students into the medical field. Sis continually stayed active even after her retirement creating beautiful and cherished handwork.  She crocheted many afghan blankets and cross-stitched multiple pictures and Christmas stockings. Upon visiting her home, one would find her busy crafting a new treasure for a family member or friend.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George V. and Bertha Porrier Buquoi; her husbands, Frank Ernst and Nelson Hite; her brothers Robert, Claude, Burt, Michel (“Lutzy”), Roland, Charles (“Charlie”) and Gerald (“Boy”) Buquoi; and her sister, Amy (“Babe”) Ward.  Sis is survived by her four children Terry Ernst and wife, Penny, Michael Ernst and wife Debbie, Angel McCall and Peggy Ernst.  She was lovingly known as “MaMere” to her ten grandchildren:  Heidi, Jared, Traci, Matthew, Robin, Denver, Austin, Nathan, Katelyn and Samuel; as well as her 14 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services officiated by Rev. Lee Shipp at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.  A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.  Honoring Sis as pallbearers will be Brad Broussard, Denver Benton, Austin Benton, Samuel Ernst, Caleb Broussard and Matt Barker.

For those so desiring and in lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Bertha Mary (“Sis”) Hite may be made to the First Testament Church Building Fund, 3235 Aubin Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com