Niva Resner

Niva Tubbs Resner lived 93 eventful years and passed on peacefully in Missoula on March 24, 2018.  Born on August 24, 1924, to Guy and Niva Hay in Jens, Montana, she grew up an only child living in Butte, Montana where her father worked in the mines.  When Niva was ten years old, her family moved to Ronan, Montana where they purchased a gas station and ten cabins that they rented to travelers.

When Niva was in tenth grade, she met a charming man named Floyd Lockwood.  They were married in 1940, and shortly after Floyd joined the Air Force. Unfortunately, they lost their first child, Ralph. In the years following, they were blessed with two more sons, Daniel and David.  Floyd and Niva purchased a butcher shop and slaughter house that they named “Lockwood Lockers”.  Niva diligently cooked for their employees serving them lunch every day.  They attended Ronan Christian Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.  When they got the devastating news that Floyd had cancer, Niva was always at his side.  He passed away after three years of the battle.

Later, Niva met Robert Resner, a very joyful man. They were married in 1981 and moved to San Diego, California.  Robert owned a Mooney plane, and they spent much time flying to various destinations. They were loyally devoted to their church, spending much time transporting children to Sunday School.  When Robert passed away in 2011, Niva moved back to Montana near her family.  She enjoyed going shopping often with them.  Shoe shopping and eating pancakes were frequently on the agenda, and she would eat until she was always “happy tight”.

Niva is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Lockwood; husband Robert Resner; parents, Guy and Niva Hay; son, Ralph Lockwood; and a grandson, Justin Lockwood.  Niva is survived by two sons, Dan (Linda) Lockwood of Florence, David (Coral) Lockwood of Ronan; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and a great great grandchild.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 24, at the Ronan Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. with a pancake lunch to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.