Viola Ernestine Smalley, age 92, daughter of Charles and Helen (Caudle) Smalley was born February 28, 1926 in Springfield, MO. and passed away February 13, 2019 at the Willard Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Lloyd, Charles, Henry and David; and a half-sister, Marion Hight.

Ernestine is survived by her brother; Retired Colonel James Smalley and his wife Nora of Las Vegas, NV; two sisters; Elsie Schulz of Amarillo, TX. and Sandra Hart and her husband Gary of Springfield, MO.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Miss Smalley, a longtime teacher, graduated from Willard High School in 1943 in a class of 48 students. She began her teaching career at Schuyler School, a one-room schoolhouse in Greene County, at the age of 19 where she taught 1st thru 8th grades.

Ernestine received her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953 from Southwest Missouri State College and her Master’s in Education from Drury College in 1960. She taught classes at Nichols and Willard Elementary before teaching 30 years in the Hobbs, New Mexico school system. She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association.

After retirement Ernestine returned to Springfield to be near family. She became a member of National Avenue Christian Church. While living in Hobbs she was the pianist and organist for Highland Christian Church.

She enjoyed China painting and family gatherings. The family would like to thank the staff at the Willard Care Center and Preferred Hospice for their many kindnesses.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, February 18, 2019 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, MO. Private graveside services will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the favorite charity of your choice in her memory.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.