Ernestine Appy Wilder, a longtime resident of Idyllwild, died in Palm Desert on June 12. Friends and family will remember her warmth, graciousness and sense of fun.

Though born in New York in 1912, she grew up in Glendora and attended the University of Southern California. She married Harold Wilder in 1933 and raised two daughters, Patricia and Susan, in Eagle Rock.

“Ernie” and Harold retired to Idyllwild in 1972 to the summer home built on Strawberry Creek in 1932 by HaroldÕs parents, Ida Mae and Sylvester Wilder. The setting was so perfect for parties, picnics and weddings that over the years, Ida Wilder had added cottages for guests. When the Harold Wilders retired to the Hill, they continued the tradition of hospitality at what became known as Wilder Cabins.

In Idyllwild, Ernestine belonged to PEO, the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Academy, RotaryAnns and the Garden Club. She attended the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Giannelli of Granite Bay and Patricia Litfin of Idyllwild and San Mateo; five grandchildren, Katherine Litfin Kuhn of Mill Valley, Matthew Litfin of Santa Cruz, David Giannelli of San Jose, Robert Giannelli of Sacramento and Diane Giannelli Comer of Sacramento; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Constance Graham of Albuquerque; and a brother, Dean Appy of McKinley Villa.

The family wishes to thank all the loyal friends who helped her to maintain her life in the mountains after the death of her husband in 1991. Her heart was always in Idyllwild and she often voiced her appreciation of the townspeople and guests at Wilder Cabins.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that funeral donations be made in her memory to: American Lung Association of Inland Counties, 441 MacKay Dr., San Bernardino, CA 92408.