Lavern "Ernie" Farnsworth Wiltse

Birth date: Jul 22, 1953 Death date: Feb 2, 2026

LaVern Farnsworth Wiltse, our beloved "Ernie," passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at the age of 72. Born in Boulder City, Nevada, on July 22, 1953, Ernie lived a life that was as historic as it was colorful. Throughout a Read Obituary

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67 east 8000 south, Salt Lake City UT 84047

801-930-9822

Mary Otteson

1w ago

After Ernie was discharged from the military, she spoke at a fireside in my ward. She shard many spiritual experiences. Three that stood out to me were:
1. She wouldn't drink coffee at their early morning meetings, but would just drink hot water to ward off the chill. After a while, someone provided hot chocolate mixes for her to use.

2. Everyone knew she went to church every Sunday. One Sunday they found her watching TV in the break room. When she told them she was watch General Conference, several stayed and watched with her.

3. She was going through POW exercises and they were really rough. Many of the solders dropped out before the end because it was so hard. When Ernie found herself in tough situations, instead of giving up, she hummed "I Am a Child of God" over and over again to herself to get through.

G V

8w ago

I always think of your family during lambing and calving season. That's when I started spending more time out on your ranch... I spent many weekends there in a spare room Ernie made up for me. Fed a few bum lambs with you girls. Joe teased me when we went out to feed the cows... I didn't know how to maneuver the gate... it became a joke when I visited that the city girl (I was actually a small country town girl) didn't know which way a country gate swung. I had many dinners there. It was just for a short season following my divorce, but Ernie made me feel like I belonged and provided me safety. She came & saw me in Denver shortly after I had my oldest in '94. We moved to Utah shortly after that, and we fell out of touch. I can't thank Kayla enough for helping us reconnect this past year. Ernie was the best visiting teaching companion I EVER had. She taught me how patience and unconditional love for others who were outside of the fold. There was an inactive sister who lived a block away from me in Great Falls who Ernie had already developed a friendship with. Ernie was the only visiting teacher this sister would allow into her home. Ernie would sit on her step to wait until she returned home... sometimes it would be over an hour. I would sit with her & wait. I don't recall who that woman was, but she was one of the nicest people, and she said anyone who was friends with Ernie was a friend of hers. She invited us in, prepared us lunch and showed us their large arrowhead collection found out at Ulm Pishkun and throughout the surrounding areas. We went often. Every time I was with Ernie, I knew I'd be in for some kind of adventure and loving on someone. Her heart was as big as the universe and she made everyone feel like they had a place in it. Her smile, presence and laughter would fill any room. Her beautiful daughters have been graced by her same smile and laughter.
May the good Lord continue to bless and comfort you and your families always.

Kristen Cambridge

8w ago

One of my favorite memories with Emie was staying a week on Ernie's ranch in Montana as a kid with my mom and siblings. We had the best time floating the river with her girls, jumping on the trampoline, and sleeping out under the stars. I was so happy there that I cried when we went home. She made us feel welcome and like family. My mom and Ernie were roommates at Dixie college and lifelong friends. My mom spoke often about her days at Dixie with Ernie. Ernie is a treasure that will truly be missed. I would like to think her and my mom are now hanging out in heaven together like they did in the good old days of Dixie.

Candy Amodt

8w ago

in honor of Lavern "Ernie".

anytime I spoke to Auntie she always made me feel so loved. I will miss you so much. Love you

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Marc Divall

8w ago

in honor of Lavern "Ernie".

What an incredible tribute for an incredible woman. Ernie was the best roommate to my mother for the past several months; they felt like sisters and watched out for each other every day. I’m sure they are enjoying a sweet reunion. Our family loves Ernie, and express our condolences to your family during this difficult time.

A pale pink candle with a lit flame, surrounded by small white flowers and a purple bud against a soft pink background.

CARED FOR BY

Premier Funeral Services (Salt Lake City)

67 east 8000 south, Salt Lake City UT 84047

801-930-9822

G V

8w ago

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