Nelda Leighter, age 90 of Lake View, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View. Nelda Mae Eaton was born on April 18, 1935, to parents Lyle and Velma (Tjaden) Eaton at home in rural Wall Lake, IA. She was baptized on June 21, 1936, and confirmed on October 27, 1945, at the Methodist Church in Wall Lake. Nelda attended country school before she went to Wall Lake High School from which she graduated in 1953. After graduating, she attended college for a short time before returning home and working as a telephone operator.
On August 30, 1959, Nelda married Kirby Leighter. They later divorced. They were blessed with four children, Robin, Candi, Delray, and Darin. Earlier on in their marriage, Nelda and Kirby enjoyed dancing at Lakewood Ballroom and bowling in couple’s league. The family moved a few times for Kirby’s work before settling down in Lake View in 1970.
Over the years, Nelda also worked at Black Hawk Café & Motel, at the Lake View Laundromat, and at TJ’s Donut Shop. She was a sweet soul who almost always had a smile on her face. She was the best at taking care of everyone around her. Her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay and she was often referred to as “Mom” even by people other than her children. Nelda was the kind of mom and grandma everyone hopes to have as she truly made each and every one of her loved ones feel special and very, very loved.
Nelda’s candy dish was sure to have three things in it at all times: chocolate stars, orange slices, and Werther’s caramels. She was an amazing cook and baker who was known for her homemade dinner rolls. She enjoyed baking with her grandchildren and made the best chocolate chip cookies, as well as many other treats. Making homemade cut-out sugar cookies and decorating them during the holiday season was a tradition Nelda started with her children and then grandchildren; everyone looked forward to it and it’s something they will continue to do.
Nelda enjoyed gardening in her younger years and liked to paint, read, and do crossword puzzles. She went on daily walks down by the lake with her friend Pat and would, on occasion, meet up with her friends for coffee or pop at Daydreamers.
Nelda was always so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As mentioned above, there was never a doubt in their minds that she loved them with her whole heart. She not only said it, but showed it in all she did for them. She will be missed dearly by her family and all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her children, Robin (Heath) Carroll of Lake View, IA, Candi (Marlin) Johnson of Lake View, IA, Delray Leighter of Milford, IA, and Darin Leighter of Lake View, IA; grandchildren: Kyle Carroll (Hally), Jami (Tom) Huster, Tara (Jon) McDonald, Mandi Johnson (Mike), Quentin Leighter (Amber), and Alicia Leighter (Braydan); great-grandchildren: Adilynn Carroll, Emersyn and Waylon Huster, Parker, Hadleigh, and Beckett McDonald, Elena Leighter, Remington Leighter, and Summer Carnes; sister Becky (Mike) Koessel of AR; brothers-in-law Gary Wheeler of West Des Moines, IA, and Randal Druivenga of TX; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Velma Eaton; infant son Dennis; siblings Donna (Kermit) Reiter, Dianna Wheeler, Dennis (Sandy) Eaton, Debbie Druivenga; and grandson Mitchell Johnson.
