Elsie Bell Ervin

Elsie Bell Ervin was born on Feb. 21, 1926, in Compere, Texas, daughter of George and Mary Violet Smith. She passed away on Jan. 28, 2013, in Bentonville at the age of 86 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband of 44 years, Joseph P. Bell; a brother, J.T. Smith; and a sister, Wanda Jean Smith. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Schley O. "Bud" Ervin; her children, Ronny J. Bell and wife, Kittena, of Magnolia, Roger H. Bell and wife, Patricia, of Rogers, Rebecca S. Denny and husband, Gary, of Cassville, Mo.; four sisters, Joan Coleman of Rogers, Jeanene Irvin and Menda Sanders, of Abilene, Texas, and Nancy Burdine of Angleton, Texas; seven grandchildren, Baret Bell, Erica Bell, Kyle Bell, Brian Bell, Kelly Parrish, Kasey Bare and Zackery Denny; and eight great-grandchildren. Elsie was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her career in the hospitality industry, her lifelong study of nutrition led to a fulfilling second career in the health food industry. As a pioneer in this field in Northwest Arkansas, her work included managing health food stores, speaking about nutrition to numerous organizations and on the radio, writing a weekly column called "To Your Health" in the local newspapers and founding the first fibromyalgia support group in the area. Music was an integral part of Elsie's life. She loved gospel music, and was devoted to her church, teaching Sunday school for many years and organizing and attending women's retreats. Throughout her life, she shared her gift of music by organizing and leading nursing home singing groups, singing at funerals and joining her sisters and other family members in song whenever they were together. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. A private service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, followed by burial at Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Manuel Gonzales and the capable, compassionate staff at Rogers Mercy Hospital and the Circle or Life Hospice facility and dedicated caregivers in Bentonville. Memorial donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205; or to the Circle of Life Hospice program at 900 NE Verdant, Bentonville, AR 72712.