Born in Tucson, AZ to parents Everett and Esther Rooks - passed in Banning, CA. Preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard (Bud) Rooks of Red Bluff, CA: and his daughter Cheryl Dethlefsen of Fernley, NV. Survived by his wife of 65 years Carol (Jean) Of Banning, CA; daughter Debbie ( Chris) Dethlefsen of Riverside, CA; Granddaughter Jennifer Dethlefsen; grandson Brian Dethlefsen; and great-granddaughters Avi Dethlefsen, Veronika Dethlefsen, Lailah Dethlefsen-Lund.
Ernie was in the Navy from 1956-1969 and serviced during the Vietnam War primarily on aircraft carriers and destroyers. He enjoyed desert camping at the "cabin" with his buddies and their wives. He rode a CZ motorcycle and later bought a sandrail that tore up the desert. Ernie watched Olympic and College Women's' softball and attended almost all of his granddaughter's travel ball tournaments, always giving advice! He would ride his mountain bike from Seal Beach to Balboa and back often. He always enjoys NHRA drag races especially John Force, and going to the sand drags. Later he had fun playing poker three days a week with other park members.
