Ernie Garza Jr.

Ernie Jr., known to most as “Mr. Pips”, 38, passed away on April 28, 2008 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.  

Ernie was born October 6, 1969 in Idaho Falls to Ernesto and Lupe Garza.  He was born with Cerebral Palsy and outlived his life expectancy by over 30 years.  He grew up in Shelley where he was cared for at home by his parents his entire live.  He was a member of the Catholic Church.  

Ernie attended the Development Workshop for 29 years.  There he hade many special friends; Daron, Teddy, Jerry and Katie.  Ernie outlived all of these friends but we are certain they are together once again free from their worldly handicaps.  

Ernie enjoyed family get-togethers, attention from grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, and going for rides in the family van. 

Although Ernie never could speak a word, we knew his happiness through his constant smile and big laugh.  

He is survived by his parents, Ernie and Lupe Garza of Shelley; brothers, Travis (Heidi) Garza of Idaho Falls; Tracy Garza and Daniel Garza both of Shelley; niece and nephews, Emmit Reed, Chloe, Holden, Nicholas and Austin Garza all of Idaho Falls; grandfather, Gabriel Coronado, and many uncles, aunts and cousins.  

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Petra A. Garza and Marie Coronado.  

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday May 1, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church (9th and Lee) with Father Joseph F. McDonald officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 till 8:30 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley.  Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.