AUBURN – Ernestine H. Ness, 87, a lifelong resident of Auburn, died Saturday afternoon, July 23, at Clover Health Care.

She was born in Lewiston, June 21, 1918, the daughter of Ernest and Helen (Frost) Ham. She was educated in Auburn schools, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1935.

On Oct. 3, 1942, she married Gordon D. Ness, who passed away on Oct. 27, 2004.

She worked many years together with her husband as owners, operating Ness Oil Company. Prior to founding the family business, she worked in both the banking and insurance fields.

Throughout her life, she was very active in numerous community organizations including the Auburn Art Club, the Woman’s Literary Union, and CMMC’s Woman’s Hospital Association, and she served as a corporator of the Auburn Public Library. She was also an active member of The First Universalist Unitarian Church for more than 50 years.

A devoted, loving wife and mother, she enjoyed time with family at their Thompson Lake cottage, playing cards, especially bridge, and reading, as well as playing both the piano and organ.

She is survived by her daughter, H. Rebecca Ness of Cape Elizabeth; two sons, Stephen G. Ness and his wife, Melanie, of Auburn, and David A. Ness and his wife, Dianne, of Rollinsford, N.H.; and three grandchildren, Kirsten, Geoffrey and Rachel Ness.

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