LOIS JEAN NIELSEN

After a long and wonderful life of faith, family, friends, and community service, on Monday, July 2, 2018, Lois Jean Nielsen, age 83, passed away peacefully with her husband of 65 years, and family by her side. Lois was born on December 23, 1934, in Oroville, CA, and was the only child of Esther and Ernest Goekler. Lois met and married Neal Robert "Bob" Nielsen in 1952, and after his service in the United States Air Force, they started a successful farming operation in Caruthers, CA, where they raised children and were involved in many civic organizations. Lois was dedicated to countless community groups including, among others, the PTA, Raisin Wives of California, Caruthers Women's League, Caruthers Chamber of Commerce, Llanada Guild, and California Women for Agriculture. She was awarded the 1981 Woman of the Year by the Caruthers Chamber of Commerce, and Mother of the Year in 1985 by the Caruthers Lions Club. Her family was always so proud of this beautiful and stylish woman with the huge smile and heart for service. In the late 1980s, Lois and Bob began spending half of their time in Florida, where they enjoyed golfing, boating, and making friends. They became full-time Floridians in the late 1990s. With family on both sides of the country, a motorhome in the driveway and a plane on the farm airstrip, Lois was always ready to go! She was an active and devoted mother and grandmother to her growing family. She was so proud of each of her children and their families, and was most proud that each of them loved the Lord. Lois was preceded in death by their first child, Linda Lea Nielsen; their grandson, Jacob Randall Gadberry; and her parents, Esther M. and Ernest L. Goekler. Lois is survived by her husband Bob; their children, Debra Lynn Niedziela and husband Bill, Sandra Louise Gadberry, Tamara Kay Dierberger and husband David, Laura Lea Bairos and husband Ed, and Neal Robert Nielsen, Jr. and wife Tamara; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Lois was a loving and selfless woman who left behind a legacy of faith and character which is forever woven into the fabric of this family. Remembrances may be made to Valley Children's Hospital; or a favorite charity. For visitation and service details, please visit Farewell.com.