Erna Gezina Wals Hegner

Erna Gezina Hegner, 82 of Moneta passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at home with her beloved dog Cocoa at her side. Erna was born in Holland and immigrated to America before the age of 8 with her family after WWII. She grew up in a suburb outside Chicago, Illinois. In high school, she met her beloved future husband Hank and formed a bond that lasted a lifetime. Erna devoted her life to loving and supporting her husband and raising their 5 children. Erna had so many talents. She created beautiful art through her sewing, nurtured her house plants, and made the world a little more beautiful through all the flowers, plants, and trees she planted over the years. Erna was not afraid to get her hands dirty, not only by planting but also fixing anything and everything as required to save time and money. She loved collecting and refurbishing antique furniture and was a vivacious bargainer who could talk a price down better than anyone. Erna was also a great cook and worked hard to make holidays extra special for everyone. Erna was a strong, independent, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother that could make everyone laugh and feel welcome. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mountain Lake is assisting the family.