Patricia Ann Niegel

Patricia Ann Niegel, a long-time resident of Dietrich, Idaho, and formerly of Richfield, Idaho, passed away on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025.

Born on June 29th, 1941, in Visalia, California, to Paul and Gladys Brinson Rich, Patricia was raised in Georgetown and Greenwood, California. She graduated from Placer High School in Auburn, California, in 1959.

Patricia was first married in 1960 but later divorced. She then married Floyd M. Niegel on May 11th, 1963, in Reno, Nevada. They owned a home on a ranch in Cool, California, which they sold in 1969 before moving to Dietrich, Idaho, in 1971.

Throughout her career, Patricia worked as a cook at Dietrich School, Woodriver Convalescent Center in Shoshone, and for the Sun Valley Co.

Patricia was actively involved in her community, serving as the Director of High School Rodeo, a member of the Parent Teacher Group, and on the Dietrich School Board and the Dietrich Grange for 60 years. She was also active with her grandchildren in all things sports & band.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Gladys Brinson Rich, her brother, Howard Rich, and her loving husband, Floyd M. Niegel.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Janet (Lyle) Towne of Dietrich, Jeanette (Randy) Waters of Eden, and Diana (Ron) Haas of Richfield. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Melissa, Lucas, Rebecca(Jay), Jacob(Dora), Natalie(Tyler), Stephen(Melina), Kelly, Nikki(Filipe), Dustin(Luis), and Shasta(Logan); sixteen great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Henry, Cathrine, Sarah, Bill, Talea, Braeden, Esmerelda, Louis, Adrian, Alex, Emily, Stephen Jr., Isabella, Zaylynn, Oaklee and Chase; and two great-great-grandchildren: Octavio and Evangeline.

At her request, no services will be held. Cremation was arranged by Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho. Graveside services for Patricia and Floyd will be held at Dietrich Cemetery, 269 South 550 East #251, Dietrich, Idaho 83324 on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at 11:00 am.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all medical personnel who cared for Patricia in her final hours, with a special appreciation to Dr. Neil Corbett of St. Luke’s Magic Valley.

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