Iva V. Bledsoe

Born on July 9, 1913 in Puxico, MO and passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2015 in Sonora, CA. She was preceded in death by both her parents Samuel L. Harty and Fanny Frances Stewart Harty, her husbands William (Bill) Glen Nelson (passed 10/4/62) married 30 years and Herbert E. Bledsoe (passed 1/12/2001) married 30 years, seven Siblings, Grandsons Michael and Tom Billups, Ggdaughter Carolyn Billups, Son in Laws Jerry Cross and Dale Owens, Bledsoe children - Thomas, Patsy and Janice Bledsoe.

She is survived by her children Jean (Ed) Billups, Mary Cross, Lewis Glen (Eva Hinkel) Nelson and I. Maxcyne Owens. She has twelve remaining Grandchildren/Spouses and two Bledsoe Grandchildren. She has twenty five Ggrandchildren/Spouses and many 5th Generation “Her Little Ones” as she called them (from 17 years to new born).

Iva moved from Missouri to Arkansas when she was 2. They lived on a farm in Jackson County, AR. Her Father was a Traveling Minister and Mother cared for the 7 children. Iva was always very active in her faith. She worked on the farm helping the family. After she and Bill married both ran the farm. During the depression she had a government job checking on the community and helping each family survive while Bill worked for the WPA. In January, 1946 the family took the train and moved to Lodi, CA. There were many friends and families that made this move after World War II. Bill worked on a dairy and Iva worked in a cannery.

In 1948 the dairy was sold and the family moved to Sacramento, CA where they had a lot to build a home. Bill worked for the County Corporation Yard and was in a work related accident and passed (1962). Iva worked for Campbell Soup Co for 33 years. Inspector in season, off season in the company store. In 1951 Iva's Father passed and her Mother came to live with them, she worked and traveled to visit all the family.

Iva met Herbert at church and married shortly after (1970). They were active going where Herbert's next job location was (Operating Engineers), teaching classes at church and caring for her Mother (passed 1977). Herbert and Iva spent time always entertaining family, friends, church activities, working, traveling and enjoying the "fruits of their labor".

This poem recalls our lifetime;

When evening comes, I meditate, on what the day has brought and do my best to understand what lessons have been taught. For I believe the reason why we have been given birth is we must meet the challenges that we face here on earth. Life isn't just a one-way street where we can't lift our voices. From birth until the day we die, we're given many choices. I have to question, did I try to really understand the needs that someone else may have and lend a helping hand? If I will just remember to light one little spark that brightens someone else's life that otherwise is dark. Then I can find contentment in doing what I can, and knowing there's a reason I've been chosen for God's plan.

When, or if, we all reach the age that Iva has accomplished may we contemplate how this poem fits in our lives.

God Bless Iva, and all of us, my prayer.