Nelda Lucille Greiving

Nelda Lucille Greiving, 100, left her family and friends to be with Jesus on January 28, 2025.

Nelda was born in South Haven, Kansas, on January 4, 1925, to Harlan and Nellie Gile, the twelfth of fourteen children. She is remembered by her family for her feisty spirit and her ability to make everyone she touched feel loved and important. Nelda was raised in a strong family that endured the hardships of the Depression Era. The family shared a strong sense of humor as well as the belief in the values of faith, family and hard work. Nelda was recently surrounded by the majority of her family to celebrate her as a matriarch and centenarian. The many stories shared by her three children and seven grandsons and a host of great grandchildren exemplified a life well lived and loved.

Nelda married George Greiving in 1945 who passed away from illness in 1986. Nelda wrote in her journal that marrying George was the best thing that ever happened to her. She also wrote she knew what it was like to work so therefore she appreciated what she had. During their marriage they moved to Derby, Kansas where Nelda would spend the majority of her years. Nelda worked in the library of the Derby Junior High and volunteered for many years at Westview Manor. She enjoyed Derby Senior Center activities and participated in the choir due to her love for singing. A special memory for her great-grandchildren is seeing their Grandma Nelda dancing at family weddings and gatherings. At the time of her passing, Nelda was the oldest and longest tenured parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Derby, Kansas.

Nelda is survived by her three children: Ronald (Debbie) Greiving, Sheryl (Harold) Hughey, and Alana (Gene) Horton. She was blessed with seven (7) grandsons who adored her: Christopher (Tammy) Greiving, Chad (Heather) Greiving, Keith (Heather) Hughey, Shane (Stacey) Hughey, Curtis (Shara) Unkel, Kevin (Tara) Unkel, and Christopher (Stacy) Unkel. 21 Great-Grandchildren: Taylor (Derek) Shelton, Tanner (BreAnna) Greiving, Tara (Dylan) Hunter, Tessa (Ruben) Garcia, Blake (Tori) Hughey, Brianna (Frank) Hughey, Tyler Hughey, Curtis Unkel, Malayna (Cade) Unkel, Bradon (Kaylee) Unkel, Sasha (Justin) Ayer, Nicole (Tyler) Lawley, Capella Hughey, Major Hughey, Chord Hughey, Gavin (Marianna) Unkel, Dylan Unkel, Chase Unkel, Knox Unkel, Riggz Unkel, DasLynn Byers. 9 Great-Great Grandchildren: Landon Greiving, Shayleigh Greiving, Lainey Hunter, Jorge Garcia, Teagan Hughey, Cooper Ayer, Magnolia Lawley, & Ripley Lawley. Baby Unkel due later this year. Other survivors include: second son, Gary Greiving and bonus daughters, Terri Erker & Celina Hernandez. Bonus great-granddaughters, Eileen & Selene Garcia.

Nelda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George. Her parents and her thirteen siblings: Tempest Winters, Sunshine Poppelwell, Margaret Stevens, Gladys McMichael, Maxine Stephenson, Harlan (Bus) Gile, Charles Gile, Joe Gile, Chester Gile, Vera Priebe, Gerald Gile, Jean Powell, and Bob Gile.

A visitation for Nelda with family present will be at Smith Mortuary in Derby from 3-5 P.M. on Sunday, February 2nd. A Rosary starting at 10:00 A.M. with Mass following at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, February 3rd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Derby, Kansas, with burial at El Paso Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund, Derby, Kansas in honor of Nelda.