Ernestine Westbrook, 90 years young, passed through the gates of Heaven, October 4, 2016. Her marvelous soul lives on through her daughter Susan Westbrook, granddaughter Allie Verlander, grandson John Verlander and his wife Edith, great grandson Thomas Verlander, and her siblings, Joye Baker, Cora Crain, Iris Smith, Leo Pardue, and Kenyon Pardue.She was preceded in death by her parents, Jurd and Alma Pardue; brothers, Quentin Pardue, John Dempsey Pardue, J. C. Pardue, and Lloyd Pardue; sisters, Pauline Pardue, Kathlene Harrell, and Carrie Springfield; and son, Richard Dale Westbrook.Ernestine entered this world on January 5, 1926, in Dean, LA, where she grew up on a farm, one of thirteen children. At the age of 18, she moved to Monroe to begin life there and to later start a family of her own.Ernestine generosity and kindness were constants in her life. When she lost her beloved son, Richard, as a young man, she responded by working to ensure that others would have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. She established the Richard D. Westbrook Memorial Scholarship at LSU Law School, one of the longest ongoing scholarships at LSU.Ernestine was a founding member of Northminster Church in Monroe, LA, and played an active role in the early days of the church. In addition, she was involved in P.E.O. International, a philanthropic organization devoted to promoting educational opportunities for women. She loved to travel and was fortunate to see much of the world beyond our shores, but she always held a special place in her heart for Alaska. Again, always generous to those she loved, she made it possible for her children and grandchildren to experience the world through their own eyes, relishing in the stories they would recount upon their return from these far flung adventures.Perhaps her greatest passion was tending to her flowers. Well into her 80, Ernestine could be found with her hands in the soil, making sure those flowers reached the pinnacle of beauty. Even on the last day of her life, she spent time outside on the patio enjoying the birds and seeing the flowers at Avalon Place.The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the employees of Avalon Place for their kindness and care during Ernestine time there.Private services will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to one of Ernestine favorite charities, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana or a charity of one choice.