Ernest Charles Haifley, age 79, of West Chester, Iowa, died Wednesday October 6, 2010 at his residence following a sudden illness.

Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, October 9th at the Jones Eden Funeral Home in Washington with Rev. Monte Asbury officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Washington American Legion Post 29. Visitation will begin 9:00 am Saturday at the Jones Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 am Saturday. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Ernie's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Ernie was born March 18, 1931 in Washington, Iowa the son of Harry Harrison and Bertha (Woods) Haifley. He attended school in Washington, Iowa. On July 16, 1951 he was united in marriage to B. Rose Patrick.

Ernie served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951 until 1954. He lived all of his life in southeast Iowa. He worked for the Louisa County Maintenance Department and for Keane Brothers Movers. He worked most of his life as a carpenter. In his earlier years, Ernie enjoyed square dancing and more recently enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Ernie is survived by his daughter Cindy Haifley McAtee and husband Ronnie of Colorado; son Bradley Haifley of Washington, Iowa; daughter Trish Knerr and special friend Ray Hill of Solon, Iowa; son Pat Haifley and wife Tracey of Washington, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, Daniel McAtee, Dodi Olson, Dwayne McAtee, David McAtee, Bradley Haifley Jr., Jesse Knerr, Tasha Knerr, Megan Haifley, Kaleb Haifley, Kylee Haifley, Tyler Faupel and Kati Faupel; 12 great grandchildren; sister Helen Knerr of Washington, Iowa; sister-in-law Evelyn Haifley of Washington, Iowa; and special friend Rose Yanausch of West Chester, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Harold, Raymond and Clarence Haifley as well as one sister Mildred Bowers.