BENKELMAN, Neb. — Ernestine Elaine (Little) Smith, 89, passed away Jan. 30, 2014, at her home in Benkelman.
She was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Benkelman, Neb., the daughter of Arthur L. and Lela M. (DeHart) Little. As a young girl, she attended a country school north of Benkelman.
Ernie, as she was fondly known, married Voile “Dale” Smith on Sept. 17, 1942, in St. Francis. 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, Neb., 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, Colo., and later cared for an elderly lady in her home. She loved to play cards and attend dances with Dale. She followed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities. She preserved her grandchildren’s favorite canned peaches and her favorite recipes were mashed potatoes and upside-down pineapple cake.
Survivors include daughters, Joan Kay Hulse and husband Gail, Great Bend; DeVonna Gene Haines and husband Stanley, Benkelman, Neb.; LaVern Gay Schorzman and husband Mick, Tucson, Ariz.; Jackie Elaine Bachman and husband Mike, Golden, Colo; ; a sister, Joyce Vincent and husband Norman, Gainesville, Texas; a brother, Ned Little and wife Coleen, Fort Lupton, Colo.; eight grandchildren. three step-grandchildren. 26 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
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, Geraldine and Ivil Pursley; infant brother; four nephews; and a niece.
Funeral Services were held Feb. 7 at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor George Matthews officiating. Interment followed at the Benkelman Cemetery. Visitation was held Feb. 6 at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman.
A memorial has been established in her memory.  Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Liewer Funeral Homes *
841 Court Street
Imperial, NE, 69033
Great Bend Tribune, Feb. 16, 2014