Elsie Marie Bumgardner

On June 2nd, 1932, in the city of Laran La., the life of Elsie Marie Bumgardner who was born to Arthur and Annie McCormick began. Elsie was the second child of a family of 10. Her other siblings were Donald, Annie May, Nelda, James David, Jill, Herbert, Jerry, Bertha, and Brenda. Elsie would grow up to marry the love of her life Willie Alva Bumgardner, who she met while attending Northwestern State University on December 8th, 1951. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in December 2021, 7 months before Willie passed.

In February 1956 they were blessed with their first child named Stephen Michael (Mike). He was a great athlete who was tragically killed in a hunting accident on November 3rd, 1970. She was told after having Mike she would not be able to have any more children, but God was not done blessing her. In December 1961, she gave birth to her second son Mark Andrew who they named after one of Willie’s favorite commanding officers in the navy. As Mark grew up, they would teach him how to play bridge which they played together for years. In June 1992, Elsie was blessed with her 1st grandchild Lisa DeAnn. One of Elsie’s proudest moments was when Lisa graduated with her masters degree as an Occupational Therapist. She would later be blessed with 2 more great grandchildren, Ollie and Addie.

Some of Elsie’s fondest memories as a child include playing in the woods and playing softball and basketball for her high school. Elsie graduated as valedictorian of her high school. She had always wanted to be a nurse. She never became one, but she cherished her time helping Navy dependents with their Medical Care. She loved gardening, going to movies and teaching Sunday School Classes. She was very patriotic and her favorite song was “God Bless America”.

Elsie will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. May you rest in peace and enjoy your new place in heaven with your Lord.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 starting at 9am followed by a funeral service at 10am at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home; 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, Texas 76034. Interment will be at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.