Rodney Young Ertle, a tender soul whose warm smile was outmatched only by the size of his caring heart, died September 15, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. His faith in God was unwavering and he passed peacefully, surrounded by the loving staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Yazoo City.
People were drawn to Mr. Ertle’s infectious smile, generosity of spirit, and genuine love all people. Babies always commanded his attention and affection, and he had a knack for turning strangers into friends. He was a caring friend and a beacon of hope to those in need of encouragement
Mr. Ertle was drawn to water- an avid swimmer in his youth and he enjoyed time on the Florida beaches with his family. Mr. Ertle loved American history and spoke often of a favorite vacation to Washington, DC, with his sister, Stacy. He loved his family and looked forward to the Ertle family reunions each year.
Mr. Ertle was a Yazoo City native and lifelong resident. A graduate of Manchester Academy, he was a proud member of the school’s marching band.
Mr. Ertle is survived by his “little sister” Stacy Ertle, of Albuquerque, NM; aunt and uncle Martha and Bill Martin, of Bentonia; aunt Shirley Neely, of Little Yazoo; as well as great aunts, great uncles, many cousins, and too many friends to count.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Young and Carrie Sue Hicks Ertle, of Yazoo City, MS.
Family and friends are invited to join a memorial service led by Bro. Josh Matthews on Saturday, September 19, 2020 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Yazoo City under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home. Visitation at the church will begin at 1:00, followed by the service at 2:00. A private family burial will follow at Cypress Gardens.
The family wishes to express our gratitude to the staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital and Yazoo Health and Rehabilitation, with a special thank you to David Lancaster, Mr. Ertle’s longtime friend and supporter. The family also wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Helen Tenhet and Terrye Layne Tenhet who lovingly looked after Mr. Ertle for many years.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, First United Methodist Church in Yazoo City, MS or Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bentonia, MS.
