Nedra Van Cleave peacefully stepped from earth into heaven on October 13, 2019 at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City, MT. Nedra was born to James and Mabel (Armentrout) Ballinger on May 31, 1938 in South Bend, Indiana. Nedra graduated from high school in Culver, Indiana and soon made her way to Marion, Indiana to attend Marion College. There she met Paul Van Cleave, who also attended Marion College, and they were married in August of 1963. Nedra earned her BS in elementary education and taught school for 2 years in Marion, Indiana before they moved to South Dakota upon Paul earning his AB degree in religion and becoming a pastor. They celebrated 56 wonderful years together this year and added 6 children to their family.
Nedra and Paul lived in South Dakota, and Michigan, and then spent 4 years as missionaries to the Philippines before settling in Miles City, MT in August 1977. Nedra was a devoted wife and mother to her children, staying home to raise them after they returned from the mission field. She loved serving in the church and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She also served in many areas at Christian Women’s Club and attended Bible Studies regularly.
Nedra and her husband attended Grace Bible Church in Miles City for the last 22 years. She had a precious relationship with her Savior and we always knew her prayers were heard and answered by the Lord. Nedra prayed regularly for her children, and her grandchildren and her example of faith and love will be a wonderful witness for years to come.
She is survived by her husband, Paul, her children Denise (Dale) Erickson, John (Lucy) Van Cleave, Stewart Van Cleave, Diane (Jonathan) Free, Dorene (Christian) Pfendler, and Steven Van Cleave; and her 13 grandchildren.
Nedra is also survived by her brother Rocky Ballinger, sister Eileen Solomon, sister Nancy Elliot, and many cherished nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Larry Ballinger and Denny Ballinger.
Family will receive friends on Friday, October 18 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Range Riders museum.
Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday October 18, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday October 19, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Saturday October 19, 2019
Following the Service
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday October 18, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday October 19, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Saturday October 19, 2019
Following the Service
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Tana and Murray Brown says
Paul and family. We are saddened to hear of Nedra’s passing. Thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all. She was always such a kind soul. Tana and Murray Brown
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
My sincere sympathy to Paul and all the family. Cherish the memories.
Darbie Karch and family says
Paul and family : so sorry to hear of Phyllis’s passing. She was such a nice person. Keeping you and all your family members in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
James L. says
PAUL AND FAMILY, I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I LIVED NEXT DOOR FOR YEARS AND ALAWYS ENJOYED SEEING YOU GUYS. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU ALL,
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Such a kind, gracious person. So sorry for your loss. She leaves a wonderful legacy.
Ilene Osborn Sherfy says
Paul and family, I am sorry to hear of Nedra’s passing. I knew her, in my teenage years, of the late ’50’s. She was a special friend of my sister Rosemary from Argos, Indiana. She always had a smile, and that is what I will always remember about her.
Rebecca Lynam says
I am grateful that I got to know Nedra at bible study and Grace Bible Church and waiting on her and Paul at my job. Even a few weeks ago she would light up the whole room with her smile and always had a happy heart. Love and prayers with her family during this time.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
Prayers and thoughts
Diane Emeney says
Paul, I am so sorry for your loss..Nedra was such a kind smiling soul..you know you will see her again, someday. I pray God comforts you and your family at this time.
Rod & Lynette Christensen says
Paul and family,
Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. May God give you comfort and peace.
Laurie and Duane Claypool says
Dear Paul and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of Nedra. We are sending you all our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time 🙏🙏. Laurie and Duane Claypool
Mary Grube says
Paul:
I sincerely am sorry for your loss, but I know where Nedra now sits, and it is in the presence of God and His many angels!! She was such a strong individual in my life. I never believed in coincidences, and it was not a coincidence God brought her to me in a time I needed her most. She did have a special relationship, and her prayers were always felt when she prayed for me! God’s blessings to you and your family; because one day you will be with her in that place we all can call home!
Mary Grube AKA Mary Kings