Bernice J. Westergard

Bernice J. Westergard, 88, passed away May 15, 2008 at Art City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Springville, Utah.



Born on July 8, 1919, at Rose, Idaho, to Sidney Alfred and Elizabeth Hale Judd, she was the seventh and youngest child. She married Elden Denning Westergard on January 3, 1945, in the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.



She was raised on a family farm and attended elementary school in Rose. In 1938 she graduated from Blackfoot High School and completed a one-year dressmaking course.



As a faithful member of the LDS church, she served in Primary, Relief Society, and Young Women, and as ward chorister, choir member, and missionary. Her first mission was in New York State (1940-1941). Highlights of that mission were singing in the Ensign Chorus and playing the part of Virgin Mary in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. As a senior missionary, she served with her husband in the San Diego Mormon Battalion Visitors Center (1985-1986).



Bernice loved being around and serving people. She was blessed with the talents of singing, flower arranging, gardening, sewing and creating a loving home. She was a devoted World Book Encyclopedia saleswoman for more than 20 years.



Elden and Bernice made many dear friends in the places they lived. They began married life in Spokane, Washington. They also lived in Connell, Washington; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Rupert, Idaho; Pocatello, Idaho; and Mesa, Arizona. During their retirement years they enjoyed traveling. In 2001, they moved to Springville, Utah, to be close to their daughter.



Survivors include one daughter and one son: MarJean (Doug) Strong (Springville) and Eldy Westergard; a daughter-in-law, Donna Westergard (Burley, Idaho); a sister-in-law, Wanda Letham (Moreland, Idaho); seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elden; her parents; and six brothers and sisters: Anona Ashton, Nathan Judd, Roland Judd, Reid Judd, Edith Shaw Hansen, and Roma Swensen.



The family wishes to thank Reid's Assisted Living, Art City Nursing Rehabilitation Center, and First Choice Hospice.



Funeral services and viewing was held at Wheeler Mortuary on Monday, May 19. Bernice was buried, next to her sweetheart, in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation the LDS missionary fund.