Nedra Gabrielsen Bedke

Nedra Pauline Gabrielsen Bedke was born on August 7, 1932, in Logan, Utah, the youngest of five children born to Lyman Conrad and Erma Deborah Adams Gabrielsen. She grew up in Logan, where her father worked as a building contractor, constructing more than 500 homes, along with churches and schools—many of which are not only still standing but remain in use today. Her dad always said that “anything worth doing was worth doing well”, a principle that seemed to become her life’s mantra.

Nedra attended high school in Logan and later attended Utah State University, where she met the love of her life, Ray C. Bedke. They were married on September 12, 1952, in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after Ray graduated from Utah State, he was inducted into the military. He completed his service in 1955, and they returned to the family ranch.

The move from Logan to the Winecup Ranch was a significant adjustment for a city girl. Living in an old log cabin without indoor plumbing or electricity—and relying on an appropriately placed outhouse out back—she took on the demanding task of caring for a hay crew of more than a dozen men. Each day, she prepared three square meals and washed their laundry, learning the rhythms of ranch life along the way. In time, she became a master of the old wood-burning Majestic stove, approaching every task with the same care and attention to detail that would come to define all her work.

Nedra and Ray are the parents of six children. Their first son, Derek, passed away after just 12 days. Three anxious years later Scott (Sarah) was born, then Eric (Marcie), Alex (Kathy), Leslie (Will), and Brice (Camille). Raising five children while maintaining two households—one in Oakley and one up Goose Creek—kept Nedra busy, yet she somehow always found time for others, giving each person her full attention and love.

If life wasn’t busy enough, Nedra always made room for music. Beginning in 1956 to 2023 (67 years), Nedra taught organ and piano lessons, instructing literally hundreds of students, including her children, and many of her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, usually with patience! Through music, she taught discipline, confidence, and skills that inspired her students long after the lessons ended.

Nedra generously shared her time, talents, and determination in service to her community. She served on the governing board of Cassia Memorial Hospital, was president of the PTA, and served as a member of the Oakley City Council and the Oakley Valley Arts Council board of directors. She also served faithfully in her church in many roles, including president of the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women, and for many years as a ward organist or chorister.

After Ray’s passing in 1998, Nedra continued to play a vital role in the family business as the ranch bookkeeper—a responsibility she dutifully carried for more than 50 years. At 88 years young, she retired from keeping the ranch books in 2020 but remained president of Winecup, Inc. to the day of her death, last week. Meticulous in her work, her records left no doubt about what was what.

To her family, Nedra was especially known as a wonderful cook and gracious hostess. She hosted countless holiday gatherings, bringing family together year after year around grand meals prepared with great attention to detail. Eating with Nedra has always been an experience. Her home and yard reflected the same attention to detail, with well-kept grounds and flowers, especially her roses, she tended herself well into her 90s.

Nedra loved to quilt and over the years she made quilts for each of her children’s graduations, weddings and for her grandchildren’s graduations and weddings, not to mention the countless baby quilts. Each one was crafted with precision and care, over a hundred in total.

Above all else, Nedra’s greatest desire has always been that her family remains close and to be a source of strength to one another. She organized countless family gatherings and made every effort to be present for the important moments in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Whether mastering a wood stove, teaching a difficult piece of music, balancing ranch books, or piecing together a quilt, Nedra did everything with excellence and as an expression of devotion to those she loved. Her legacy is one of faithfulness, quiet leadership, steadfast service, and a love so deep it transformed everything and everyone it touched into something beautiful and enduring.

Nedra loved the community theater. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Nedra to Oakley Valley Arts Council.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-today-to-help-us-make-our-planned-upgrades-to-howells-opera-house-happen

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Oakley Stake Center 355 North Center Street in Oakley. Burial will follow in the Oakley Cemetery. Family will greet friends on Friday evening, January 23, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 at the Oakley Stake Center and from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning prior to the funeral. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, located on the Burley, Rupert Highway.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/lIG5wb-2LpA.

We are so sorry for your loss I always said even if Jed didn’t learn piano ( but he DID) he learned Grace and Kindness from your lovely mom, may she rest in peace. Prayers of comfort & love from the Martin Family- Anne, Jed & Shane

To all the family I'm so sorry for your loss and sending my prayers she was so sweet kind and loving. Take care....Heidi Robbins

I loved being able to go into her home on occasion. She was a sweet, kind and generous person. She served well in this community and in the church. I'm thankful for her influence for good in this town. A friend forever, Pam Jenks

Nedra Bedke has been an incredible influential woman to the Roundy family. Sandra considered her as a best friend, mentor, and example quiet dignity and refinement. She is beautiful in every way. Each of the Roundy children have been blessed by her characteristic patience and encouragement. We are unitedly grateful for her music and spiritual faithfulness. Cassie Roundy

Such a beautiful lady inside and out. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and community. May we all find peace and comfort as we reflect on our cherished memories of Nedra. Love, hugs and prayers, Tim & Kathy Collett & Family

It has been a privilege to be acquainted with your angel mother. She was a gracious and refined woman and a patient and kind piano teacher. To her family I wish comfort and hope for a wonderful reunion in the future. Penni Pickett Cousineau

I'm sorry My condolence goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. I have a lot of memories with Liszt when I used to go to her house and her mom, her mom, Helen was so sweet, such a sweet lady. Sonia Mejia

Dear Bedke family, I love Nedra!! I spent so many hours sitting on her piano bench!! I sure loved her patience, kindness, encouragement, and did I mention patience!! She has influenced my life and the ability to read, learn, play, and teach music!! My life is so much richer for her influence!! I even learned to play pool at her house while Don and I waited for someone else during their lesson! My prayers for comfort for your family at this time!! I bet it was a fabulous hug between your parents!! Ruth Van Tassell

Dear Bedke family, I love all of you guys! I loved Nedra. I think of her often. She was my teacher longer than anyone else, besides my own parents. She was also a fun young women leader to me. Always a great example but most importantly she was my friend.....Adrian Roundy Guy