Elsie Marie Berner Westerfield

Elsie Marie Berner Westerfield, 94, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Frank M. Westerfield, Jr, MD. She is survived by her son, Eric Westerfield (Phillis); daughters, Kara Mainard (David), Jo Hanna Worden (Grady) all of Little Rock. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Wes Mainard, Hannah Mainard, Daniel Mainard, Nicholas Worden (Allyson) all of Little Rock and Ashley Worden James (Copeland) of Lowell, Arkansas. Additionally, she is survived by one great-grandson, Walker and an ever-attentive niece, Colleen Moorman.

Elsie was born in Kress, Texas in 1931 where she lived until the age of four. Her family, including her parents and 9 siblings, left the Texas panhandle due to the historic Dust Bowl occurring in the region. They resettled in Northwest Arkansas. Upon graduation from Springdale Highschool in 1949, Elsie moved to Little Rock to attend the Baptist School of Nursing at 13th and Wolfe near the current Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She graduated from that program in 1952 as a Registered Nurse (RN). She made many lifelong friends and was very proud of being a nurse. She met and married Dr. Frank M. Westerfield in 1955. He was a member of the Army Medical Corp which led to them living at army bases across the country including Sandia Base, New Mexico, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and The Presidio, San Francisco.

Upon their return to Little Rock, Elsie concentrated on raising her children and running the household. She also worked at Frank’s private practice and made sure that his books were balanced. She loved hosting bridge parties and met with the same group of ladies for many years. She loved baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arkansas Travelers. She had a passion for all Arkansas Razorback sports. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, Arkansas since 1955.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with the Funeral service following at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 (5124 Hillcrest Street at Kavanaugh Blvd). Entombment will be at 1:00 PM at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Alexander, AR. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.