Pearl Bickelhaupt

Pearl (Stedman) Bickelhaupt passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at home, at the age of 91, with the gentle calm that always followed her. She was the anchor of her family, shaping memories that will never fade: childhood birthdays, long summer days on the farm, pool parties, kitchen-table chats, harvest nights, and a house that always had room for everyone. Her love was practical and constant: birthday cards always remembered, pen-pal notes to the kids, quick snacks for the road, a door that was always open. She loved in small, everyday ways that made life gentler for the people around her.

Born October 21, 1933, in Waitsburg, Washington, Pearl never wanted to be far from the people and places she loved. She and Merle were eighth-grade sweethearts, and on September 7, 1952, they married in Dayton, WA. A young vow became a lifetime of long faithfulness. September 7 marked 73 years since their wedding day.

Pearl is survived by her husband, Merle; their children, Shelly, Blaine, and Dean; and her sister, Carolyn Thompson. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with extended family and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Patsy (Pat) Abel and Rose Arlene Rinell, and by her parents, Art Stedman and Viola Powell.

With gratitude, the family thanks the caregivers who helped her remain at home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a simple act of kindness in Pearl's name, perhaps a handwritten card or note to someone you love.

"The Lord bless you and keep you." (Numbers 6:24)