Nelma Byriel, age 84 of Lytton, IA, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA. Nelma Lucille Davis was born on October 24, 1939, in Wrenshall, MN, to parents Howard and Lillian (Abbott) Davis. Nelma was baptized at the Lutheran Church in Wrenshall in 1939. She and her family lived in Wrenshall where she attended Carlton-Esko grade school. They later moved to Sac City where Nelma attended school, graduating with the class of 1957 from Sac City High School. She and her family were members of Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton where Nelma was confirmed in 1963.
On June 17, 1959, Nelma married the love of her life, Ellis “Red” Byriel at Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church. This union was blessed with four children: Bruce, Bart, Brenda, and Brian. Outside of being a mother and wife, over the years Nelma was employed at Jerry’s Super Value, Arthuads, Ben Franklin, and Marjo’s, all in Sac City. She also sold Avon for many years. Nelma was very active in her church serving on the church council and alter and funeral committees. She also took part in quilting for World Relief through her church.
Nelma cherished spending time with her family. She kept busy attending her children and later on grandchildren’s activities. She also enjoyed bowling and played in the local women’s bowling league for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed oil painting, playing cards, working on puzzles, shopping, and loved taking care of her flowers every spring and summer. Nelma loved jewelry and was almost always adorned in it. She was active in the Ravishing Red Hats ladie’s group and the After 5 organization in Sac City, both of which she always looked forward to attending.
Nelma and Red were always together. They enjoyed riding the motorcycle and loved being at each other’s side. They were truly the best of friends and their love for one another was evident. Nelma will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Ellis “Red” Byriel; children Bruce (Tracie) Byriel of Colfax, LA, Bart (Barbara) Byriel of Estherville, IA, and Brenda (Randy) Martin of Nixa, MO; sister In-law Ramona Davis of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren: Brad Joy, Corey (Julie) Joy, Jessica (Jeremy) Byriel; great-grandchildren: Ivy, Kaden, and Karliegh Joy, McKenzie and Maverick Joy, and Keaton, Jace, and Wyatt Jeseritz; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Nelma was preceded in death by four-year-old son, Brian Carl Byriel; parents Howard and Lillian Davis; sisters Maxine Cook, Donnabell Kilpela, Luella Zimmer, and Burnice Mandernach; brother Marvin Davis; parents-in-law Kenneth and Lorraine Byriel; brother-in-law Carl Byriel; sister-in-law Marilyn Cates; nephew Lance Mandernach; and niece Lorri Thomsen.
