Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1935
DIED
2024
Erna Sullivan Obituary
Erna June
Sullivan
November 19, 1935
November 5, 2024
June Sullivan (née Erna Hanss) died peacefully at home in Colorado Springs on November 5, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born November 19, 1935, in Frankfurt, Germany to Erna and Julius Hanss. She endured childhood in war-torn Germany, growing up to have an affinity for America and its people. She met her first husband, Master Sergeant William F. Layton, USAF (Ret.), while he was stationed in Germany. Together they raised three children in New York, Georgia, Italy, France, and Germany, before settling in Colorado Springs. Upon immigrating to the United States, she adopted the name June. She proudly became an American citizen while maintaining a bond to her Frankfurt family and the artisanal Bäckerei Hanss started by her parents, and still operated today by her nephew.
June met her second husband, Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. "Sully" Sullivan, USAF (Ret.), while working as a bookkeeper at the Air Force Academy Officers' Club. They enjoyed many years together entertaining friends, living in Germany on Sully's final military assignment, caring for their dogs, and in their retirement, starting a pair of antique stores in Colorado Springs, Antique Mart and Repeat Performance, which they ran together for nearly 30 years. The stores were a must-stop for set and costume designers and collectors from across the country.
June is survived by her children, Linda Guiette, Deborah Pniak (Robert), and William Layton (Sally); her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who knew her as Omi; her four stepchildren; and her nephew. She was predeceased by her husband Sully, who passed in 2012, and her sister Lieselotte Kramer (Heinz) of Frankfurt, Germany.
The family would like to thank her grandchildren, Justin Layton and Elise Layton, who lovingly cared for her at home until her passing, and the Gentiva Hospice team.
A memorial service will take place on November 22 at 11 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1529 N. Circle Dr., Colorado Springs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erna Sullivan
5 Entries
Patty Eltringham
December 24, 2024
I am blessed and honored to have known June. I always enjoyed talking to her at the antique mall where I work and she was a vendor. She would sit on the bench at the end of the day and would always be interested in what I was collecting or buying. She knew I liked bears and even gave me a few over the years. I cherish those. Deepest sympathy to the family. I will miss her.
Terri Worster
November 21, 2024
I met June 42 years go when I moved to Colorado Springs..from Denver...she was my First Friend ...my Dad and Mom and I would go to her Antique stores My Dad would have coffee with her husband Bob while My Mom an I would shop... I'm very Blessed that I got to spend some time with her before she passed... she will be truly missed... I loved her so...xoxoxo to go to Heaven my Dear Friend..Terri Worster
Barbara Frey
November 18, 2024
I met June at the Antique Mall in June 2008. She was a vendor there. Believe me, she had an eye for the collectables. She also could tell you where everything was! I She was feisty, opinionated, glamourous, and down to earth! I will miss those stories from the war. Unfortunately, I can't be there Thursday. Prayers to the family. She was a good soul. I will miss her.
Steve Young
November 17, 2024
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences for your loss. We see that Lt Col Sullivan retired from the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or [email protected]. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Erna Sullivan's name
Memorial Events
for Erna Sullivan
How to support Erna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Erna Sullivan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
