Rose Ann Ernst

Rose Ann (Cusick) Ernst, 90, of Carmel, IN, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026. She was born on January 4, 1936, in Indianapolis, IN to Ralph and Jean (Stokes) Cusick.

Rose Ann was a 1954 graduate of Howe High School. During her years at Howe, she sang in the high school choir as well as her church choir at Wallace Street Presbyterian Church.

On July 3, 1955, Rose Ann married the love of her life, John William (Bill) Ernst. They celebrated 70 years of marriage on July 3, 2025.

After her marriage she worked for Allstate Insurance Company in Indianapolis as the Operating Department Secretary. In 1957 she and Bill relocated to Miami, FL where she continued to work for Allstate Insurance in their Florida claim office. Upon returning to IN in 1960, she became a stay-at-home mother. After raising her family, Rose Ann became the head receptionist at the National Headquarters of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority in Indianapolis. After her retirement in 1997, she was inducted as an Alumni Initiate into the Butler University chapter where both of her daughters participated in her induction ceremony.

 Mrs. Ernst had a variety of talents and interests in life. She was an accomplished pianist and accordion player. She and Bill were 50-year members of Carmel United Methodist Church where she sang with the church choir, played piano and organ and was along-time member of the Hand Bell Choir. She also was a member of a local choir in Carmel, IN called the Carmelaires that performed at many functions in the community. She and her husband were the founding parents of the Carmel Ambassadors Swing Choir Parents Club and enjoyed their participation in that with both daughters as members of The Ambassadors.

Other long-time passions Rose Ann had were gardening, bowling, golfing, knitting, ceramics, and jewelry-making. She gifted many of those jewelry items to family and friends.

Rose Ann was also a member of the Red Hat Society and volunteered on the Indiana State Fair Train for many years.

In 2003, Rose Ann and Bill relocated to Naples, FL where they resided until moving back to Indiana in 2006 to be closer to their family. While in Naples, Rose Ann was an active member of the choir and Hand Bell Choir at Naples Methodist Church.

Rose Ann’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was instrumental in the raising of her two daughters and son. Later she welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored and attended as many of their activities as possible.

She was also a loyal fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. Rose Ann and Bill loved to travel with vacations to Arizona, California, Las Vegas, and Hawaii with cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Alaska. However, their favorite destinations were Sanibel Isalnd and Naples, FL.

In addition to her parents, Rose Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Bill in January of this year; sister, Carole Hovda; as well as both paternal and maternal grandparents.

Survivors include her 3 wonderful children, Kimberly Ann (Chris) White, Lisa Sue (Tom) Breitwieser, and Christopher William (Heather) Ernst; 4 grandsons, Sean (Kaleena) White, Scott (Elizabeth) White, William Ernst and Tommy (Mia) Baldwin; 1 granddaughter, Ashley Ernst; 4 great-granddaughters, Mckynzye White, Addisyn White, Waverly White, and Isla Baldwin; 5 great-grandsons, Theodore White, Oliver White, Everett Baldwin, August Baldwin, and Beckham Baldwin.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2 pm in Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032, where the Funeral service will begin at 4 pm in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Carmel United Methodist Church Music Department.

Inurnment in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family with arrangements.

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