HARTLY- Ernest (Ernie) Torbert passed away on Wednesday May 1, 2013, in his home. Ernie was born May 1, 1947, the son of the late Elmer and Ruth Torbert. He served in the National Guards and was a meat cutter for Stringer's Store and Burris Foods, Inc. He raced ponies before training standard bred race horses for Patrick McCrae and most recently, the late Robert Messick and his wife, Norma. Ernie was preceded in death by his siblings, Elizabeth Ann George, John Torbert, Betty Ellen Stapleford, Patsy McBride, and Dorothy Bell. Also preceding him in death was his beloved, Frieda Beebe. He is survived by his great nephew, Timothy Torbert, whom he resided with; brothers, William (Cathy) and George (Carol) of Milford, Thomas Robert (Carmen) of Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. The celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Gateway Farms, 853 Raleigh Hill Road, Harrington, DE 19952. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DSOA Horseman's Christmas Drive, 830 Walker Square, Dover, DE 19904.