Ernest “Ernie” Babbitt, of Turlock, died at the age of 80 at Emanuel Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Hollister and moved with his family to Turlock in 1940, where he attended Lowell School and Turlock High School.  He worked for General Motors and Safeway foods before taking jobs working outdoors, which included his work at a lumber mill where he drove logging trucks. In the early 1950s he went to work for Turlock Fruit Co., where he worked in a variety of their farming operations for the next 50 years, until his retirement in 2004.

A lifelong horse lover, Ernie was a member of Turlock Horseman’s Club.  He was an active farmer and rancher, and an avid fisherman, hunter, camper and traveler.

Ernie is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Marie Babbitt, and his children, Sharon Babbitt and Allen (Marlaine) Babbitt, all of Turlock.  He also leaves his step-sons, Myron (Judy) Larson, Randy (Missy) Larson, Dan (Marilyn) Larson and Marc (Diane) Larson, all of Turlock, as well as a sister, Barbara Harms, of Arizona.  Thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, 6643 Faith Home Rd., Ceres 95307 or Turlock Historical Society, P. O. Box 18, Turlock 95381.

Graveside services will be held at Turlock Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 28.

Services are being conducted by Turlock Funeral Home.

Friends may share their condolences to the family at www.turlockmemorialpark.com.