Mahala Elizabeth Ernest

Mahala, whose journey began somewhere near Ranger, Georgia, passed from this life in the same unmistakable way she lived it: entirely on her own terms. She was the beloved daughter of Lora P. Ernest and was raised by her mother and grandmother, Katie Earnest. Although Mahala did not have a family of her own, she was surrounded by love and care until her last day. She became a cherished member of Agnes and her mother, Eva's, family, filling their lives with warmth and joy. A woman of grit, humor, and unmatched stubborn charm, Mahala spent many years as a dedicated X-ray technician. She cared for others deeply, even while carrying her own burdens. She eventually stepped away from her career to face life head-on, in her own way, and at her own pace. Mahala was a loyal and passionate animal lover. Her home was always shared with cats — each one convinced they were her favorite — and she held a lifelong devotion to horses. Long before Asheville grew into the city it is today, she rode horses along unpaved mountain roads and fell deeply in love with the place that became her true home. She knew many of the people who helped shape Asheville into the vibrant community it is today, and she remained fiercely proud of its history, beauty, and spirit. She cherished the Biltmore Estate, found comfort in the mountains that surrounded her, and spent quiet hours lost in books, especially those by her favorite author, James Patterson. Mahala’s sharp wit could cut like a scalpel, but it was always followed by laughter. She defended those she loved with fiery loyalty and never sugar-coated a thing in her life. Though she could be difficult to know, people found themselves drawn to her — returning again and again for her humor, her unexpected tenderness, and her unfiltered, unforgettable perspective. She leaves behind a legacy of independence, unapologetic honesty, and deep — if unconventional — love. Those who knew her will remember the laughter she sparked, the animals she protected, the spirited battles she waged with squirrels at the bird feeder, and the way she made life a little wilder, funnier, and brighter. She was one of a kind, and she will be deeply missed. -In Keeping With Her Wishes- In accordance with Mahala’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. She asked to be remembered as she was in happier moments. Mahala will be laid to rest alongside her mother and grandmother, several hours from Asheville. For this reason, we kindly ask that no flowers be sent, as they cannot be transported to the burial site. For those wishing to honor her memory, Mahala leaves behind her beloved cat, Tinker, along with several other cats she inherited from a dear lifelong friend. They will continue to be cared for with love. Donations of cat food are welcome in lieu of flowers. Any surplus will be donated to a local nonprofit animal shelter — a cause Mahala supported whenever she was able. Due to changes in the decisions made by Ingles Management and Corporate, the setup date for the memory bins for Mahala Ernest has been altered. Anyone wishing to donate in memory of Mahala is welcome to call 828-676-9918, and we will arrange for pickup. Additionally, gift cards for local pet stores such as Petco and Petsmart can be mailed to PO Box 16934, Asheville, NC 28816. Thank you for your understanding and support. For the convenience of neighbors and others, a bin will be placed on Mahala's porch, specifically for canned food items, due to the presence of bears in the area. We will begin setting up bins on November 17, 2025, and continue until November 30, 2025.

Tributes

Mahala Elizabeth Ernest

March 26, 1942 - November 6, 2025