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Ernestine Smith Ernestine Elaine (Little) Smith was born January 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 September 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. When Ernie’s family was young, she spent her time preserving all that could be preserved including her grandchildren’s favorite canned peaches. The cellar and freezer where always stocked. Cooking in the kitchen for many years led to the mastery of smooth mashed potatoes enriched with butter and cream and her famous upside-down pineapple cake. Ernestine passed away Thursday, January 30th, 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, Geraldine and Ivil Pursley; infant brother; 4 nephews; and 1 niece. Survivors include: Daughters: Joan Kay Hulse and husband Gail of Great Bend, KS. DeVonna Gene Haines and husband Stanley of Benkelman, NE. LaVern Gay Schorzman and husband Mick of Tucson, AZ. Jackie Elaine Bachman and husband Mike of Golden, CO. 8 Grandchildren. 3 Step-grandchildren. 26 Great-Grandchildren. 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren. Sister: Joyce Vincent and husband Norman of Gainesville, TX. Brother: Ned Little and wife Coleen of Fort Lupton, CO. Funeral Services will be held Friday morning, February 7, 2014, 10:00 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 held Thursday afternoon, February 6th, 2014, 2:00 P.M. -6:00 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 IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS

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Ernestine "Ernie" Smith

January 10, 1925 - January 30, 2014