Bernita Blanche Kiever

Bernita Blanche Leeling Kiever passed from this life into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on May 5, 2016. Bernita was born on January 31, 1922 to Joseph and Rachel Leeling at Hat Creek, Wyoming. She lived there and in Manville, Wyoming during her young childhood and teen years. She was raised during the depression years with her family of five sisters and two brothers: Sam and Jim; sisters: Eileen, Francis, Alice, Vera and Virginia. Bernita, Eileen and Sam worked during the depression years to help the family. They were very hard workers and loyal to the family. Bernita met Barney Kiever through her father, Joe Leeling. They both worked at the oil field in Lance Creek, Wyoming. After a courtship, they married in May 1938 and Bernita and Barney set up housekeeping in Lance Creek. During the years in Lance Creek, four children were born to this union: Bonita Gay, Bruce Terry, Garnet Mae and Deborah Ann. Both Bernita and Barney were active in the community with school activities of the children and community issues. They were members of the Lance Creek Community Church where they served in many roles. This little church was very active and had many members of the community that became long and lasting friendships over years. Bernita helped with a number of school activities, including cooking for the school lunch program and seasonal programs. She also spent many hours sewing for her family, a talent she continued and enjoyed all her life. She also was a local news reporter for a small community newspaper; she enjoyed going around to the local people and getting to know them. As the oil field depleted, Barney was transferred to Vernal, Utah. The family moved to the area, where Garnet and Debbie continued school. At this time they joined the Vernal Christian Church and started an active life in the town. After Barney's retirement in 1963, they moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado for their retirement life. They made many friends here both in the community and church. Bernita worked for a while at the college and later began her own business. She had a sewing shop where she continued to alter and custom make new garments for many people; her work was always well done. Bernita enjoyed this talent all of her life. After Barney's death, Bernita moved back to Vernal, Utah to be near her children, Terry and Garnet and their families. Bernita continued to be active both in the community and the Uintah Basin Christian Academy, where she volunteered as a grandparent teacher and assistant. After her health began to fail, Bernita moved into the Beehive Assisted Living until her death on May 5, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Sam, sister Eileen, and two grandchildren: Angela Sue and Alan Lee. She is survived by her children: Bonita (Hershel) Janz, Terry (Ellen) Kiever, Garnet Hatch, and Debbie (Gary) Ellis; 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters: Alice, Francis, Virginia, and brother Jim. Services will follow at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com .