Bernice Harriet Stencil

She lived a happy and full life. She lived with her family in Bellevue for 52 years. Bernice was born in Auburn on October 9, 1930, to Dr. Roy and Mildred Rugg. She had a brother, Mel, and they spent their childhood years growing up in Kent. She played the flute in the Kent High School Band. She also was voted the Princess of Cornucopia. She was given the nickname “Sunny” for her happy disposition and had many friends she kept in touch with since Kindergarten.

She went on to graduate with a Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Washington.

She worked for Boeing, and then met the love of her life, Chet, and married on December 4, 1954. They were married 65 years before he passed.

She was a member of Overlake Christian Church for over 42 years and worked with their prayer team. She also served through the years at the Salvation Army, for their Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners. She loved the Lord and to serve. She had a humble, sweet spirit. To know Bernice was to love Bernice.

Bernice loved and cherished her family and was always having fun. They spent many summers at their beach cabin. She loved to cook and have fun gatherings for her family and friends.

Her happy, bright presence will be missed very much. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt and friend.

Bernice is now celebrating with Chet in heaven and their son, Paul, whom they missed very much, and is survived by their daughter Karen Stencil. They have four grandchildren Shelly, Stephanie, Nathan, and Madeleine, niece Elizabeth Cooper (husband Geoff), her nephew Jim Rugg (wife Kipling), niece Kathy Powell (husband Jack), and nephew Randy Powell (wife Judy).

At Bernice’s request, a private service was held. Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to the Salvation Army.