Nelva Dee Grimes, 87, passed away May 16, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Oct. 20, 1937, in Densmore, Kan., to Castle and Ola (Keiswetter) Wallace. She married Merlin Grimes Jan. 19, 1956, in Alton, Kan. He preceded her in death on Nov. 17, 2017. 

Nelva and Merlin moved to Great Bend in 1956. She worked primarily as a home maker. Together, her and her husband were instrumental in forming and starting Golden Belt Feeders. She was a devoted member to First Christian Church for nearly 70 years and a founding member of the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Nelva was a P.E.O. member specifically Chapter F.S. She enjoyed meeting up with friends for a game of pitch. Above all else, she loved spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters, Kim Guesnier and her husband Bernie of Great Bend, Brenda White and her husband Chuck of Wichita, Jana Kaiser and her husband Stan of Kansas City; grandchildren, Abby Foster and her husband Brandon, Emily Ledford and her husband Cameron, Jacob Williamson and his wife Amy, Lindsey Ralston and her husband Robert, Kyle Kaiser and his wife Erin, Courtney Pierson and her husband Kyle, Brett Kaiser, Connor Kaiser and his wife Kelcy; 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband 61 years; and brother, Don Wallace.

Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Frist Christian Church with Reverend Josh Leu presiding. Visitation is available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Burial will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Community Foundation to benefit First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 17, 2025