SIKESTON -- Niva Detsel Gwaltney, 86, of Sikeston died Monday, April 6, 1998, at Miner Nursing Center.

She was born Feb. 2, 1912, in Missouri, daughter of Arthur and Eva Forsythe Kem. She and Thomas M. Gwaltney Sr. were married Nov. 5, 1932, at Benton. He died Jan. 18, 1981.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas Gwaltney Jr. of Ypsilanti, Mich., James Gwaltney of St. Louis; a sister, Evelyn Roach of Morehouse; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, a brother, and three sisters.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Sikeston from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the chapel, with the Rev. Lee Fansler officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories.