Ernest Ray Blythe, 72, of Grundy Center, died of natural causes, July 24, 2009, at his home. Funeral services were July 27, at the First Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center with Pastor Tom Bower officiating. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. A memorial fund has been established. 

Ernie was born August 17, 1936, in Melrose Township in Grundy County, the son of George and Grace (Ruter) Blythe. He attended Timothy Christian School and graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1955. Ernie served his country in the United States Army from 1959 until 1961. On August 1, 1962, he was united in marriage to Berniece Kalkwarf Mooty in Grundy Center. Ernie worked with his father at Blythe and Sons. In the early 70s, he formed his own business, Blythe Corporation. Ernie retired in 1999. Ernie was a member of the AMVETS Post No. 17, American Legion Post 0242, First Presbyterian Church, Jolly Boys, and Meadowbrook Golf Course where he served as a past board member. Ernie enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Berniece, a daughter, Susan Blythe of Conrad; son, Mark and his wife Deb Blythe of Aplington; daughter Beverly and her husband Mike Meester of Parkersburg; daughter Beth Ann Blythe of Littleton, Colo.; son, Dennis and his wife Connie Blythe of Charleston, S.C.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann and her husband Dale Vry of Parkersburg; sister Ila Mae Venenga of Ackley; brother, Wayne and his wife Joyce Blythe of Wellsburg; and three sisters-in-law, Esther Blythe of Wellsburg, Ann Blythe of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and Donna Blythe of Wellsburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Gene, Kenneth and Al Blythe.

Source: Grundy Register, July 30, 2009, page 3