Nelda Byrne

Nelda was born on July 29, 1936 in Faith, SD, the daughter of Edwin and Genevieve (Keegan) Bachman. She grew up and attended schools in Faith completing the 8th grade. Then for a few years she worked various jobs. During this time she assisted her father in putting on rodeos. While doing this she became an accomplished trick rider and developed her love for horses. While working rodeo?s she met Pat Byrne and together they were united in marriage on Nov. 13, 1954 in Phillip, SD. They began their life together working on area ranches and continued to help her father with the rodeos. In 1961 they moved to Carter County where they purchased the old Sweeny Ranch located 5 miles south of Mill Iron. Together they built a cow/calf ranch and raised their two children, Jamie and Monie. In the late 60?s Pat and Nelda expanded and started their own rodeo company, producing rodeos in a four state area until 1985. During this time Nelda continued her rodeo career by competing as a barrel racer. Nelda had a great love of life, living every minute to the fullest. Never one to just sit around, she completed her GED studies in the early 80?s so that she could obtain her Insurance and Securities License. Some of her many talents and pastimes she enjoyed were woodworking, gardening, painting, bowling and especially working with her horses. Her greatest joy was seeing her granddaughters grow up, following them in their sports and being with them for their achievements. Nelda passed away April 17, 2004 at Fallon Medical Center, Baker. Survivors include; her loving husband, Pat Byrne, Ekalaka; a son, Jamie (Juanita) Byrne, Ekalaka; granddaughters Mindy (Jed) Larson Byrne and Kristi (Kyle) Sander; a daughter, Monie Byrne, Sturgis, SD; granddaughters Shantil and Shamra Byrne. A brother, James Bachman, Huntington Beach, CA; two sisters: Doris (Warren) Reed, Faith, SD and Judy (Don) Fenton, Clancy, MT; three half brothers: Lyle (Sandy) Bachman, Gillette, WY, John (Lil) Bachman, Eagle Butte, SD and Cecil Bachman of Rapid City, SD; a step-brother, Gene (Pat) Royer; three half sisters: Edith ?Tiny? (Jack) Mowell, Mexia,TX; Patty Bachman, Newell, SD and Sherrie (Richard) Hart, a brother-in-law Gene Drake, Winamuca, NV and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters; Carol McQuirk and Pearl Drake. A Memorial has been established for the Ekalaka EMT?s.


Burial Date: April 22, 2004
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Funeral: Thursday, Carter County High School Gymnasium