Neta Marie Graves Belwood Decker

Neta Marie Graves Belwood Decker was born on April 17, 1923, in Sandpoint, Idaho, and passed away on May 11, 2009, at Valley Vista Care Center following a short battle with cancer.

She was the daughter of Earl “E.P.” and Lenora “Nora” Graves.

Growing up in Laclede, Idaho, with her brother Pat Graves, “Uncle Buck,” Neta enjoyed swimming, fishing, huckleberrying, dancing and sharing time with her many cousins. She graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1941.

On June 6, 1941, Neta married Ernest “Chet” Belwood. They had four children, 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, Patricia (Chet) Howell, Tammy (Mark) Perry and children Bradley, Lucas and Tanner; Tonya (Rob) Behrens and children Sasha, Jake and Alyssa; Larisa (Mark) Alexander and children Ashley, Ethan and Kealey; Janie (Daniel) South and children Miranda, Shawn and Jada; Mickey (Dave) Fitch; Misty (Todd) Hansen and children David, Zach, Lauren and Madison; Marcy (Matt) Bloom and son Henley; Ernie (Diane) Belwood; Butch Belwood and children Taija, Erica and Nick; Lori (Andre) Stites and children Julia and Kobe; Betsy (Gene) Nelson; Amanda (Thane) Rosholt and children Shelby and Taylor; Christo-pher Nelson, Toya Harris and children Kylan and Molly; Tiffany (Damien) McDivitt and children Addison and Greyson. Her brother Pat Graves continues to reside in Laclede. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins and the Decker family.

Although she had many interests and hobbies, her family was probably her greatest joy. Her children all cherish their memories of growing up on the family dairy farm in Laclede. Neta was active in their lives and her grandchildren’s lives as a 4-H leader and Bethel Guardian of Job’s Daughters.

She was a dear mother and a wonderful friend. There was always a card game going on in her home and her bountiful garden supplied many Sunday dinners.

It didn’t matter how many showed up, there was always room for one more in Neta’s kitchen. She loved baking and canning, showering her family and friends with Christmas treats for many years. Her homemade candy was a specialty.

She made friends everywhere she went. Her warm smile put everyone at ease and you could always count on her for laughter. We will miss her great sense of humor and quick wit. It was always a pleasure to be with Neta.

During her working years, she was a dedicated employee at Safeway and the Bonner County Courthouse and she retired from Safeco Title Company.

She was an active member of the Eagles. Neta tap danced into her 70s and continued to swim into her 80s. She was known to eat most of her huckleberries prior to leaving the mountain in her later years and was an avid wild mushroom gatherer.

In addition to her parents, Neta was preceded in death by her two husbands, Ernest “Chet” Belwood in 1971 and Leroy Decker in 2004; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Taija Lynn Belwood in 2008.

A funeral service to celebrate Neta’s life will be held Friday, May 15, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Coffelt Funeral Chapel. Pastor Steve Nickodemus will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Friends are invited to join the family at the VFW Hall for a gathering in her honor afterward. Viewing will be Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. at Coffelt Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to the Healing Garden at Bonner General Hospital in lieu of flowers. They would all like to extend special gratitude and thanks to the staff of Valley Vista Care Center for their patience, love and heart-felt care of Neta during her stay.

Family and friends are invited to sign Neta’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.