Having survived breast cancer, and after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer, Belva Bonnell (Kimble) Bradach passed away at her home Nov. 4, surrounded by family.

Belva was born Jan. 22, 1943, to Orval and Bernice Kimble in Strasburg, Colo. Belva was born the youngest of seven children, Valgene, Jack, Doris, Jim, Jr. (Orval), and Jerry. The family moved to Caldwell, Idaho in 1944.  When Belva was 6, her mother, Bernice, passed away, and then she lost her father, Orval, at 13. Belva was bounced around from family to family after losing her parents. She moved to Colorado to live with her brother, Jack, for a few years, and then to Wenatchee, Wash., to live with her sister, Doris. After graduating high school in Wenatchee, Belva moved to Burns to live with her brother, Jerry Kimble. This is where she met George Bradach. The two were united in marriage in October of 1962, and started their family soon after. Their first child, Rosemary Gay, was born in June of 1963, then Chad Ray in July of 1966, and Joseph Craig in January of 1970.

Belva was a stay-at-home mom and “Room Mother” extraordinaire until her youngest was in middle school and then she started work at Harney 4-C. Throughout the years, she also worked as a bookkeeper at Safeway while also volunteering as a Girl Scouts leader, helping with Chad and Joe in Boy Scouts, and was very involved in 4-H. Belva left the workforce, however, to do what she did best and loved the most in life, to be a caregiver for her grandchildren.  She was a wonderful “Nan” who was devoted to God, to her husband, George, and to her family.

Having experienced somewhat of a tumultuous childhood, Belva was very focused on building a stable, consistent, and loving family home. She and George built their own house and farm on a little piece of acreage outside of Burns and raised various crops, livestock, and pets throughout the years, including sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, cattle, ponies, and even peacocks. There is quite a story about one particular prairie ram that ended with Belva in the hospital when she was pregnant with Rosemary and, as she told it, George assured her she’d be fine if she just stood her ground.

More than anything in this world, Belva loved her little home, her husband, children, and her grandchildren. She was so looking forward to meeting her first great-grandson in December. Belva was adamant that she would stay in her home and with her family by her side until her last breath. In the end, she did just that.

As a multi-talented, artistic, loving woman who knew what she wanted in life, Belva (our Mom, our Nan) was a role model, devout Catholic, and the nucleus of the family. All family gatherings and holidays centered around Nan and her home where she was a giver of all things good… and a giver of love… always.

Belva is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary (Tad) Dunten; son and daughter-in-law, Chad (Charmarie) Bradach; daughter-in-law, Michelle Bradach; grandchildren, Kaylyn (Victor) McClintock, Jacob McKelvey, Megan (Daniel) Wagner, Joshua McKelvey, Isobel Bradach, Zane Bradach, Josie Bradach, and Jack Bradach; best friend, Bonnie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; and her youngest son, Joe Bradach.

Belva will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for the devotion and love she had for her family. Contributions in Belva’s memory may be made to CAN Cancer or Harney Hospice.