Grandma Neibaur's Funeral

My dear sweet Grandma Neibaur passed through the veil to the other side.

My memories of my grandma are many, but all include a hug and feeling completely loved. She has shown that you can be strong by being loving and kind. I am trying to follow her example.
I have always been amazed that with 13 kids, 55 grandkids and 111 great- grandkids my grandparents could make us all feel so special and where there to support us in our activities and other special events. There family was so important to them, but never more important than each other. I have never seen a couple so in love to the very end of this life and into the next. They were partners and set the example for me of what a marriage should be.
Today I read this scripture: 1 Samuel 20:18 "...thou shalt be missed, because they seat will be empty." This is how I feel. I know she is so happy to be with my Grandpa again. I know my mom was so happy to welcome her and hug her again, but my Grandma's seat is empty here. I will miss her. So grateful for eternal family's. That someday we will all be together again. That the seats will all be full of family. Just like it always was at my grandparents house. Love you Grandma.

My cousin Kimberly wrote these text to my Aunts and Uncles and my Uncle Brent shared them with me:

As grandma nears this final chapter, it is hard to watch. It’s a time you lean heavily on faith. It’s still also nice to have those objective assurances of what is to come. I reflect on experiences during her first battle...about 3 weeks ago. I’ve come to know what to expect from her...to do and say...during all her moods and stages of dementia. During that first fight, she did have times she hallucinated. Those moments were easy to identify...based on the content of her speech, tone, even clarity of her gaze. The moments I’ve listed below are some of those that were different. Moments where she indicated she knew a chapter was closing...and hinted at what was waiting. This is something she has never done. It has brought me comfort....seeing that difference in her...in the moments she KNEW. I have listed them below. 1- One evening, she sat up in bed, turned towards me and said “Well, our journey is done” in a matter of fact tone. 2- I have only ever heard her call for assistance from 2 people “Clyde” and “Kathie.” Of course, this was cuz they have served as her primary caregivers...during her journey with dementia. For 2 days, as she declined during that first fight....she had 2 times she called for someone else “Patricia.” I know Aunt Trish must have been close, trying to assure her mom it would be ok. 3- On the day she gave that charge to her family several weeks ago, she also told Chad “They are coming for me.” His response was “When they come for you, go with them.” 4- While Jackie was here one day, Grandma was looking in the corner. Jackie asked what Grandma was looking at. Grandma responded “The man in the corner.” When Jackie asked who it was, the moment was lost. She never learned who Grandma saw.

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All those moments were unusual for her. They were not comments she made during her battle with dementia. They were not made during moments of hallucinating. They were moments where she was mentally clear...and saw something her eyes that gazed at the world through dementia could not see.

2 nights ago was her last experience. We had changed Grandma. She was somewhat agitated as we did, so we sat on both sides of her, holding her hands. After a while, her countenance changed and the spirit in the room changed. While many of you visited her, she looked directly at you and attempted to speak. Of course words weren’t heard but she tried. This night, she also was speaking....but her gaze was not turned to either of us but above her. She would speak....trying to convey a message (as she did with some of you). She did not appear agitated but was intent on what she was trying to say. Then she would settle, her eyes closing in peace. Then, they would open again and she would “speak.” We both let go of her hands. I had an impression I needed to let go, as someone else was waiting to hold it. Then, as we continued to watch this visit...we finally knew it was time to leave. She had other visitors this day...and we were infringing on their time. Mom told her “You go with Dad now. He finally has permission. He’s drilled that hole and is coming to get you” and we left.

The next morning when we woke up, she was unresponsive and has been so since that time. Her vitals were unstable yesterday. Today, her heart rate has dropped significantly. She is in the tunnel. Her body is still fighting to stay in the light she knows but her fight is weakening. She is getting closer to the veil. When she gets close enough, her spirit will be stronger in the fight than her mind and body...and she will walk into a much brighter light, into the arms of those she was conversing with that night...and a man who has waited years to take her hand.

I was honored to join my aunts and uncles and represent my mom as we dress my grandma in her temple cloths. The viewing was only for family and we had to schedule a time to go. Because of COVID we were only able to have a grave side.

Even though it was for a sad reason. It was nice to spend some time with Jakob and his family and Tami and Logan.

NORMA'S OBITUARY

Norma B. Neibaur, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend of
Bancroft, Idaho passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Saturday, April 25, 2020, at 3:15
P.M. at the age of 88. She passed away at the home of a daughter, Kathie Sweet in Grace, Caribou,
Idaho. She is once again united with her Eternal Companion, sweetheart and friend, Clyde Adrian
Neibaur whom she has dearly missed since his passing, August 21,2017. As a family we will truly miss
her, but rejoice in the knowledge of God’s Divine Plan. That we can be together again one day as Forever
Families. 

Norma was the 4th child, born into the family of Joseph Francis Belnap and Mabel Catherine Hirschi
at their home in Salem, Madison, Idaho. She was welcomed into her family by two sisters and four
brothers, She has so many fond memories growing up on the farm. She learned the principle of hard work
from her parents who always made time for fun when the chores were done. Mom often told cherished
stories of her childhood years, pulling taffy, playing Fox and Geese, No Bears Are Out Tonight, Annie I
Over, and ice skating on the canal not far from her home.  

Norma H. Belnap attended Sugar City High School and was involved in many of the clubs and
activities there. She loved to sing and dance and joined the Glee Club, A Cappella Choir, and Drama. She
was XXI Club President and Vice President of the Girls League and Class Secretary.  This is where she
met the love of her life, Clyde Adrian Neibaur.

As kids we loved hearing the stories of their courtship. Especially the one where Dad swept Mom off
her feet and took her to the Salt Lake LDS Temple in Utah to be married and sealed together ‘For Time
and All Eternity’ on November 16,1949. They began a new journey together in life as sweethearts, best
friends and eternal companions. It was here she proudly took her new name, Norma B. Neibaur.
Dad always said, “I married my sweetheart, friend and angel.” We were blessed with an Angel
Mother.” During the years together as husband and wife,they always worked together side by side, not
one step behind another, but side by side in love, and purpose and with a goal in sight. Together they
reached their dream of building a large family of 13 children. Mom and Dad raised their family on a family
farm and nurtured them with love and faith, built upon their testimony of gospel truths and principles.
Mom and Dad later in life, were always seen at sporting events of their children and grandchildren.
Throughout the years their support was always felt in their attendance at baby blessings, baptisms,
weddings and mission calls.

Mom was always dependable, one you could count on. One with open arms and a shoulder to cry
on. Mom always filled our family’s home with love and bread baked fresh from her oven.  She loved
working in her vegetable and flower gardens watching things grow. She knew how to make a house a
home from watching her mother, and learning by her side.

Norma is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served as President in
the Primary, a place where the music there became a part of building the testimonies of her children.
Mom loved to sing and always had a song in her heart. She sang in the Tabernacle at Salt Lake City with
the Relief Society Singing Mothers a joy in her life. She served as the President of the Relief Society and
loved participating in the Bancroft Ward Humanitarian projects. Mom and Dad loved serving for many
years in the Logan L.D.S. Temple. And served as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints on two, two year missions. The first mission to the Nigeria Lagos Mission and the
second to the Manhattan New York Temple Mission.

Norma B. Neibaur was a loving and devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Her testimony of the gospel ran deep. She had an abiding love of Our Heavenly Father and of Our Savior,
Jesus Christ. Mom was proud of their family, 13 children, 55 grandchildren, and 111 great grandchildren.
Mom and Dad left a legacy of love for one another. A legacy of hard work and perseverance. A legacy of
testimony, faith, family, and country. A legacy to honor. Mom joined Dad, hand and hand, April 25, 2020,
and walked down the path on their new journey together, never to part.

Mother, you will be greatly missed by all. But you have left a footprint of love, service and testimony
imprinted on our hearts. Never to be forgotten - always to be remembered. We love you Mother!
Norma is survived by: twelve children: Kathie Sweet, Mitchel Clyde Neibaur, Chad (Jacquelyn)
Neibaur, Linda N.(Steven S.) Hebdon, Vicki Lynn Yost (Pasquale Sacchetti), Wesley B. (Randie Sue)
Neibaur, Brent (Tarryn) Neibaur, Cindy (Suzanne Eskenazi) Neibaur, Lanette (Chris) McCurdy, Juliet
(Steve) McCollough, Betty Jo Giles, JanaLee (Justin) Hatch, one brother: Grant H. (Helen) Belnap
54 grandchildren and their respective spouse, 110 great grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by: her eternal companion: Clyde Adrian Neibaur, daughter: Patricia
Ann (Wayne) Avery, Grandson: Brand’n Neibaur, Great Grand Daughter: Kaitlyn Nicole Bare, her parents:
Joseph Francis Belnap and Mabel Catherine Belnap,two sisters: Zeruah (Lyle) Moon, Bonnie (James)
Parkinson, three brothers: Arlo H. (Wanda Lue) Belnap, Don H. Belnap, Eldon H. Belnap.

Due to the COVID-19 Social Distancing Regulations there will be no public services. Graveside
service and interment will be held at the Teton Newdale Cemetery (5644 W. 3000 N. Sugar City, Idaho).
These services will be For Family Only , Saturday May 2, 2020 at 1:00 P.M.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family online at www.simsfh.com

The Neibaur Family would like to extend our heart-felt gratitude, for the loving care of our beloved mother,
To Edgewood, Caribou Memorial and Encompass Staff. With special thanks to Kebra, Nichelle and Steve.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Darrin Sims, Sims Funeral Home for his loving service and
extended hand at our time of need. For the compassionate service and special loving touches rendered
by the Bancroft Ward Relief Society. Thanks to all of you, for the love you have shown us.