BENTON — Ernestine Thweatt Staples, 94, of Benton died at 5:50 p.m. Monday at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray.

She was a member of New Zion Baptist Church. She had worked for Merit Clothing, and the Cigar Company.

She is survived by three daughters, Linda Portis of Benton, Jan McCuiston of Murray, and Sandy Genrick of Prior Lake, Minn.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hafford “Happy” Staples; four brothers; and two sisters. Her parents were Isome E. Thweatt and Minnie Rose Thweatt.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Collier Funeral Chapel with the Revs. Terry Clapp, C.C. Brasher, and Rodney Wallace officiating. Interment will be in Murray Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Zion Baptist Church Building Fund, 2796 Wadesboro Rd S., Benton, KY 42025.