Dorothy Mae Westphal

1942 - 2024

Dorothy Mae Westphal

August 18, 1942 - May 23, 2024

Dorothy Mae Westphal, 81, of Lincoln, passed away May 23, 2024.

Dorothy was born on August 18, 1942, the youngest of sx children, in Topeka, KS, to Firman and Florance (Roberts) Ellison. The family moved to Waco, NE, when she was young, and after graduating from Waco High School she headed out to California. While in California she learned about computers and computer programming.

Dorothy returned to Nebraska and settled in Lincoln in the mid-1970s where she started a 28-year career working for the City of Lincoln in computer programming. She was instrumental in the development of significant advancements in technology for the city. During this time, she was married to Hugo Westphal on June 10, 1978, and they later adopted their daughter, Christine. Dorothy loved square dance and enjoyed music and theatre. She was involved with the Lincoln Community Playhouse and loved to sing and play piano. She was music director and worship leader for her church for many years. She enjoyed her membership and activities in the Red Hat Society. She loved games of all kinds and was very competitive. She has always been a die-hard Elvis fan, and even followed Joseph Hall, the local Elvis impersonator. She was a big Husker fan, and enjoyed her season football tickets, often bringing along friends and family members.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Christine Kruse, and grandchildren: Camilla and Cordelia; sisters: Mary Jean Stuhr and Ruth Ann Sargent; nieces and nephews: Danny Ellison, Ronnie Ellison, Brenda (Ellison) Givan, Doug Ellison, Brad Ellison, Debbie Ellison, Rhonda (Sargent) Harris, Beth (Ellison) Philson, Stephen Sargent, Stephanie (Sargent) Williams and Joan Suddarth.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: William, Donald and Robert Ellison; nephews: Greg and Dave Stuhr; and niece, Linda (Stuhr) Shepherd.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Butherus, Maser and Love funeral home in Lincoln, NE. A luncheon will follow the service. Following the luncheon, you are welcome to join the family in Waco at 2:00 PM for a Graveside service at Waco Cemetery, Waco, NE.

Memorials will be donated to Lincoln Christian Fellowship worship program.

www.bmlfh.com.