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Rhoda Pearl Bequette

Rhoda Pearl Bequette

Aug. 14, 1939 - Aug. 5, 2020

Date of Service: Aug. 12, 2020

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BURLEY – Rhoda Pearl Bequette, an 80-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls.

Pearl was born August 14, 1939, in Bella Bella, a small fishing community on the Northern Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Pearl was proud of her ethnicity (a full-blood member of the Heiltsuk tribe). She spent her early life there raising her first four sons: Ryan, Mike (deceased), Karl, and William (deceased). Over the years she returned to visit friends and family there.

An American carpenter, Louis Bequette, from California came to help build a hospital in Bella Bella. He and Pearl met and fell in love. After the hospital was finished they married and moved away to Spirit River, Alberta to a cattle farm that Louis had purchased. Another son, Louis Jr., was born here. They lived there about eleven years then Louis decided to move his family to central California. After a few years in California, Louis bought a farm near Burley, Idaho, where they have since lived.

She is remembered for her sweet smile, her sense of humor, standing up for the underdogs, and her tasty cinnamon buns. She is also known for her stubborn streak which was tempered with love. The last few years were challenging with multiple health issues arising. Fortunately she was lovingly cared for by her husband, Louis, who made her welfare a priority.

Even though Pearl has not been back to Bella Bella for many years, she is remembered by her tribe and hundreds of condolences have been received from them on social media.

She is survived by her husband; her sons, Ryan, Karl, and Louis Jr.; and two brothers, Charles and Chester.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Mike, and William.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Pella Cemetery in Burley.

A live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/FyrzpSubTDA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Rhoda Pearl Bequette

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From L D Sager:
Our condolences to the Bequette family at this time.
From Claudette Wiltz/bequette:
Dear Uncle Louie sending you hugs and love to the family in this time of sadness and loss. Aunt Pearl was a very special loving kind woman. Always a smile and open arms to all the family. My condolences with so much love. Love forever hugs&kisses,
Niece Claudette Bequette/Wiltz
From David Bequette :
SendingLove to Louis Bequette and Family and Prayers from your nephew David Bequette and his Wife Marianne Bequette Hugs with all our LOVE
From Frances Brown:
Sending love, hugs and prayers to the family. I will always remember Pearl by her beautiful smile and her laugh.
From Anna Dixon:
Sending love and prayers to our family. My mom Alice is feeling hurt she isn’t able to be with her nephews. Please know my mom loves her family and always will.
From Georgina Reid (Mason):
Much love and heartfelt condolences, I have always remember Pearl and her mom spending time with my granny when I was a kid, those memories I will hold near, God Bless those in mourning.
From Marion George :
Condolences to you all love hugs and prayers for strength
From Gail:
condolences on the loss of a beautiful lady. Sorry for the loss of your wife,mom,sister , gran,aunt,friend RISP Pearl
From Diane Bequette:
There are no words that I could say how much I' love you and will be dearly missed . My love to you uncle Lewie and her sons. and to all her family. Such a beautiful lady. I will miss you dearly
From Arnold Humchitt :
Sending our condolences to Louis and family fr Elaine , Bruce ,nieces , nephews and myself Arnold here . Jus to let you know that we the Humchitt family is related to the Bolton family so Pearl was our cousin . Even tho my siblings and i didn’t know you Louis but we’re great full that you looked after pearl very well and loved her , may god bless y’all
From Sharon Larson:
Pearl used to come into KMart and lay away all the plus size open front apron shirts that were available. She said the women back home were so excited to have them sent.
From Elizabeth Wilson. ( Liz Tite):
I have always remembered you Pearl! May you rest in sweet peace. Blessings to all your family.
From Tina Elluk:
I will always remember you Aunty Pearl, my Sister Rena & I spent alot of time at your Parents home here in Bella Bella we always thought about you Rest In Perfect Peace
From Stella Bolton :
Risp Aunty Thanx Louie for taking care of her all these years. Love n Prayers Cuz Ryan Karl nd Louie Jr. And Uncle Louie .
From Louisa Willie Humchitt :
Rest in perfect peace Pearly. Sincerest condolences to Louis, sons and all that knew and loved her. Till we meet again.
From Robert & Donna, Rob(Son) Germyn :
My condolences on this huge loss of a beautiful beautiful Heiltsuk woman, back in the day , our JR basketball team spent few days with Pearl and her partner Louis they were beautiful host to our young men. They were inspiration to us being so far from home playing in a basketball tourney In Idaho. May your blessed soul rest in sweet peace., as you will forever be in our hearts . Go rest high Pearl!!
From Rhoda Bolton:
Heartfelt condolences to Uncle Louis and my cousins Ryan, Karl & Louis Jr,. auntie Pearl and I are named after our Grannie Rhoda, the last time auntie was home was home was for her brother Ivan's funeral in 2013. rest in sweet peace Auntie. thank you Uncle Louis for taking great care of your beautiful wife, love you and may the Lord be with you in the coming days.

From Lori:
Sending Sincerest Condolences to uncle Louie, Ryan, Karl & Louie Jr. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this time. The time spent with auntie Pearl was always memorable, especially when she went home and me as a child, she always had the biggest hugs when she saw me. You are reunited with soo much family now. you will Always & forever be in my heart. Go rest high on that mountain beautiful auntie.
From matthw dennis johnson-bequette:
im sorry i can't be there with you grandpa i love you and the family ill try my best too make it there soon risp grandma
From Tom and Leona Humchitt :
Sending love and prayers for Louis and the family. “You are Hailzaqv no matter where you are”. Heartwarming to know she fondly remembered her roots. May precious memories sustain you. Much love and prayers.
From Love your niece Lotta:
I will always Love you auntie you will be missed our last Bolton heaven has to be so beautiful I can only imagine what a reunion it was with the family waiting for you I know you are dancing and soaring with the eagles rest easy till we meet again gone but will never be forgotten hugs to everyone they're blessed to have you with them
From Bart Bowers:
Louis, you have been such a beautiful example of love in the way you have so tenderly cared for Pearl. May you be blessed and comforted in this time of deep loss.

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