Rebecca Mae Pickett

Rebecca’s earthly journey came to an end on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Today she is rejoicing with her husband, Carl, in the presence of their Heavenly Father.

Rebecca was born in Colville, WA, on January 30, 1928, to George and Eva (Patton) Rockwell. Harrah, WA was where she spent the majority of her life. She attended Mountain View Elementary and White Swan High School, graduating in 1946. In 1948 she married her high school sweetheart Carl Pickett. It was in Harrah where they made their home and raised their two sons, Larry and Steve.

Mom was not only a wife and mother but was also the primary care-giver for her husband, Carl, while he battled to recover from a life altering physical disability. Out of need she also became the family’s bread-winner having held jobs as a dental receptionist, veterinary assistant and food preparer for Miner’s Drive In. It was during this time that Rebecca and Carl had an opportunity to purchase the Harrah Café. The café became a social meeting place for the community and she served folks with delicious entrees and was particularly known for her freshly baked donuts, maple bars and homemade pies.

Eventually mom and dad purchased property on West Wapato Road and they raised purebred Limousine cattle. They resided there until moving to Yakima in 2000.

One of mom’s most cherished accomplishments was being on the Board of Directors during the start-up of the Harrah Christian School. She took great pleasure in being involved in the Christian education and the nurturing of the youth in the community. Some of mom’s most favorite moments were camping in the mountains, camping and salmon fishing at Sekui, and hosting family picnics and holiday gatherings.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James Rockwell, Keith (Esther) Rockwell, and Chet (Margie) Rockwell, and sister Clara (Lester) Olsen. Surviving Rebecca are her brother Wayne (Colleen) Rockwell, sons Larry (Elaine) Pickett and Steve (Barbara) Pickett, and grandsons Kyle, Dan, Tyler and Tim Pickett.

Family graveside services will be on Friday, July 22, at Reservation Cemetery on West Wapato Road. A celebration of Rebecca’s life will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, at Sun Valley Church, 2002 East Mead, Yakima, WA 98903. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Youth Ministry programs in care of Sun Valley Church. To share a memory of Rebecca visit www.merritsfuneralhome.com.