Beverly Chappel

Beverly married Walter Gordon Chappel Jr. (Pete) on July 15, 1956, and made their first home at 1209 Stevens Drive, Richland. Pete worked at Hanford Atomic Product Operation in those days. Over the course of the next few years, they lived in various places, including a pastor in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In 1962, they moved to White Salmon, where they remained till many years later when Pete retired from working as a mechanic for The Washington State Highway Department. The journeys again took them into the ministry, both back to Canada and down into Montana.

Starting their family in 1958, Beverly gave birth to three Gifts of God: Dawn Sherri and Candace Jeanine 1959 and Craig Maurice in 1961. In June 1968, God called on her again, but this time to become a mother to three sisters recently orphaned from friends in the community. Lila Mae, Nancy Lee, and Nadine Yvonne came to love and appreciate the sacrifices made by The Chappel family. God grafted this family together for His purpose.

Beverly enjoyed many things from cooking, crocheting, sewing, ceramics, and music. Her enjoyment of such things sparked the desire in her children to learn, participate and excel in much of the same expressions. Helping to provide for their family, she worked many years at a variety of jobs; positions ranging from the cannery to office manager for Warner Cable in Hood River, Ore., and later at the doctor’s clinic in White Salmon. She was an asset and team player, valued for her work ethic.

Anyone who knew Beverly knew she loved family. Living and raising their children in the same community as Pete’s parents, they participated in gardening at Dad Chappel’s house, cherry trees at Doris and Clyde’s, and retrieving milk from Doris and Clyde’s was a regular chore she assigned to the children on their way home from school.

Coming from a large family, she always planned and looked forward to visiting both her and Pete’s families in various parts of the country as well as having them come to visit. One such trip not long after the three girls came to live with them – out to Wyoming! With family and Ole Faithful at Yellowstone National Park, making memories was an everyday occurrence. Beginning in the years the children were still at home, the Parnell Family Reunion was an every August occurrence, and as her mother before her – she always enjoyed the interaction as the tributaries of families flowed together if only for a brief weekend.

‘Look For Me,’ written by Rusty Goodman was one of her cherished hymns for many years. Being raised in the church and in turn raising her family in church, Beverly was known for making lots of Easter dresses – some years with brimmed hats and festive colors. Training the children in music, teaching Sunday School, doing the church books, Vacation Bible School, and summer church camps always kept her prayer life strong. Whether leading worship or being the youth leader, Beverly’s love for God was her cornerstone. Listening to her testimonies as the children became adults served to fortify the obvious dependency she had in Jesus Christ her Savior. Sharing with the eldest granddaughter Lindsey on a recent Saturday, she said, “Okay, it’s time to be moving on; I’m ready.” Her last words to Lindsey were clear, repeated twice, “I love you.”

Most recently making their home In Kennewick, – Beverly and Pete attended The Highway Church of God with nephew Shane Pooler as pastor. Along with daughter Candy, they enjoyed the services and special events where pastor’s wife Terri always went out of her way to make sure Aunt Bev could participate.

Mother of six, grandmother of twelve, great-grandmother of 25, Beverly was preceded in death by their son Craig Maurice in 1982, then daughter Dawn Sherri in 2014, grandson Eric Lee in 1999, and great-granddaughter Abigail in 2003.

She is survived by husband Walter Gordon (Pete) Chappel, their upcoming anniversary would have been their 62nd; also by their daughters Candy Chappel Wiliams of Kennewick, Lila Ackley of Pendelton, Ore., Nancy Chappel Howell most recently of Pendelton, Ore., and daughter and spouse Nadine and Mark Branscum of Broken Arrow, OK. Beverly is survived also by three of her seven siblings, Sharon and husband Dewey Weaver of Burbank, Jeanette and Harold Baker of Vancouver, and Sandra and husband Ed of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Beverly made her final promotion to Heaven Tuesday morning, May 22, 2018, surrounded by her loved ones.

‘No Man is an Island,’ [John Donne] rings true to every existence. That being said, we wish to express our deep appreciation to the many people who gave care over these past few years. Most recently the Life Care Center of Kennewick with Kathy as administrator and one of the nurses Teresa shared in giving the outstanding care in preserving the quality of life for our beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and grandmother. Knowing Beverly made administering care a pleasure as she was a delight to be around.