Niveta Elsie Bryant

Niveta E. Bryant, 91, passed away, Dec.19, 2011, at her Sand Hollow home with family at her side. Arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, New Plymouth. Condolences may be made to Niveta's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

Niveta was born Niveta Elsie Charloes in Rock Falls, IL on Feb. 19, 1920 to Gus and Elsie Charloes. Gus was born in 1891 in Greece and came to America in 1908. In June of 1914 he was united in marriage to Elsie Smith, they made their home in Rock Falls, IL. From this union, there were two daughters, Marge and Niveta. Niveta graduated from Sterling High School in Illinois and went on to complete vocational training in Accounting. She was a bookkeeper for many of the small businesses in Sterling and Rock Falls and for her father and mother in their grocery business. In the fall of 1939 she met Russell Bryant, who she would marry and raise a family with for the next 46 years. Russell and Neiveta were married in Cedar Rapids, IA on Feb. 19, 1940. Russ often told that "he" was the best birthday present he ever gave her! Russell worked for Lawrence Brothers Steel Mill for many years, until they shut down in the winter of 1948. In 1950, they decided to move their family to Hollydale, CA. Russell went to work as a cabinet maker for Roadliner Trailer Manufacturing in El Monte and the Paramount School District. Niveta landed a job for Catalina Swimwear in the City of Commerce, she retired at age 62, and the couple moved to a small acreage in Homeland, CA. In 1986, Russell died of congestive heart failure leaving her a widow and the need to return to work. Niveta began a new career as a switchboard operator for the city of Hemet, near their home. Niveta worked another 12 years before taking her final retirement in 1998. Shortly after her retirement, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Niveta and Russell had three daughters during their marriage, Connie Kay born Oct. 11, 1941, Linda Sue born July 11, 1945 and JoAnn Christine born Aug. 22, 1951. Niveta endured the loss of two of her children, Connie Kay in 1957 from complications of a heart murmur and Linda Sue died in 2001 after a long battle with colon cancer. After having lifesaving cancer surgery, Niveta decided to move to Idaho to be close to her only surviving daughter, JoAnn. Niveta moved her own house on to the large acreage that her daughter and son-in-law owned in Sand Hollow. She loved the quiet of the country and the view of the morning sun in the early mornings. Niveta would live in Sand Hollow until her death. Niveta was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Elsie Charloes, her in-laws Walter and Christine Bryant, her husband Russell, brother in-law George Bryant, her two daughters, Connie Kay and Linda Sue, and her grandson Michael Nielsen. Niveta loved her family she was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandma. She thought of her son-in-law, Merle as a son. In her final weeks, the family was there to do whatever they could to make her comfortable, Merle (JoAnn) and granddaughter Marlena Rangel (Jesse), in-law Mavis Nielsen and the entire staff of Treasure Valley Hospice. Niveta is survived by daughter JoAnn Nielsen (Merle), grandchildren Angela Nielsen of Charlotte, NC, Kevin Nielsen of Boise, Connie Werner (Paul) of Nampa, Robert Nielsen of Twin Falls, in-law Mavis Nielsen of Sand Hollow, great grandchildren Lindsey Nielsen, Sarah Nielsen, Marlena Rangel (Jesse), Ashley Nielsen, Anthony Nielsen, Tyrique Nielsen, Nathan Hammonds, Joshua Hammonds, Kimberly Hammonds and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by nephew Russell Westgate (Carol) of Florida. Niveta requested that no formal service be held. She was laid to rest on Dec. 22nd next to her beloved grandson, Michael Nielsen in New Plymouth. The family wants to thank Treasure Valley Hospice and Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel for their support through this most difficult time. We love you Mom, you are forever in our hearts and always on our minds as we remember your spirit that will continue to guide us each and every day.