Ernestine Smith

Ernestine Smith

Jan. 10, 1925 - Jan. 30, 2014

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Ernestine Elaine (Little) Smith was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Benkelman, Nebraska, to Arthur L. and Lela M. (DeHart) Little. As a young girl, she attended country school north of Benkelman.

Ernie, as she was fondly known, married Voile "Dale" Smith on Sept. 17, 1942, in St. Francis, Kansas. The two were married in the judge's kitchen. Ernie and Dale began their lives together on various farms near Benkelman. They moved north of Haigler, Nebraska, in 1949. In 1959, they moved into Haigler where they resided until 1995. The couple then made Benkelman their home until present.

Ernie worked 18 years at the Renotta Nursing Home in Wray, Colorado, and later cared for an elderly lady in her home. She loved to play cards and attend dances with Dale. She also loved to follow her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their numerous activities. She could often be seen sitting on her front porch waving at everyone passing by or sitting in her flower gardens.

Ernestine passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at her home in Benkelman. Ernie was 89 years of age.

Ernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale in 2006; sisters and brothers-in-law, June and Harry Stamm, Maxine and Clyde Watters and Geraldine and Ivil Pursley; an infant brother; four nephews and one niece.

Survivors include daughters, Joan Kay Hulse and husband, Gail of Great Bend, Kansas, DeVonna Gene Haines and husband, Stanley of Benkelman, LaVern Gay Schorzman and husband, Mick of Tucson, Arizona, and Jackie Elaine Bachman and husband, Mike of Golden, Colorado; eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce Vincent and husband, Norman of Gainesville, Texas, and brother, Ned Little and wife, Coleen of Fort Lupton, Colorado.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, 10 a.m. (MT) at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor George Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, 2 to 6 p.m.(MT) at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.