Ernest was born December 29, 1914, in Buena Vista County in Iowa, to David E. and Ella (Jordan) Delbridge. He was brought to South Dakota to live on his parents' homestead where he grew up with his brothers and sisters, went to country school through the 8th grade, and worked for his folks. Ernest later worked with his father and for various neighbors when they needed help. His mother passed away in 1940. Ernest and his father lived on the place together until Ernest was 27 years old.

He married Viola Kellogg on March 28, 1942, and they moved a house and grainery to a quarter section less than ¼ mile away from his father's homestead. They began to build buildings on their land and bought adjoining pieces of land as they became available. When his father retired, Ernest and Viola rented the home place then bought it. This is where they raised their family of 7 children.

After retirement in 1999, Ernest and Viola moved to Sturgis where they lived in the High Rise for four years. Due to Viola's health, they moved in with their son and daughter-in-law, Norman and Susan. They moved to Country Side Estates in Faith where he lived until October 1, 2012, when he moved to Morningside Assisted Living in Rapid City.

Ernest served on the Plainview School District for 18 years. Ernest was an active member of the Church of Christ. He was the Superintendent of the Plainview Sunday School for 18 years and also taught adult classes. He was a member of the Farm Bureau for several years and was a member of the Howes Grazing Association for several years and also served on the board for several terms.

Ernest Delbridge, 98, Rapid City, died Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Survivors include his wife, Viola Delbridge, Rapid City; his children, Arnold (Camille) Delbridge, Cedar Falls, IA, Sandra Cox, Jefferson, OR, Harold Delbridge, Red Owl, SD, Norman (Susan) Delbridge, Faith, SD, Lyle (Juanita) Delbridge, Union Center, SD, and Paul (Debbie) Delbridge, Howes, SD; sixteen grandchildren; and thirty-nine great-grandchildren.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Lloyd; two brothers, Everett and Albert; four sisters, Gladys, Clara, Mary, and Lucille; one grandson, Troy Cox; one son-in-law, Gary Cox; one daughter-in-law, Karen Delbridge; and grandson-in-law, Scott Sandquist.

Visitation will be Monday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center with Calvin Chapman officiating. Burial will follow at the White Owl Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the Plainview Fire Department.