Jean Arlene Berndt

Jean Berndt passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by love-ones. She was born in 1936 as Jean A. Bailey—the middle child between her big sister Joan and younger brother Gary. She grew up in Naches, graduated from Naches High School, and later went on to attend Washington State University.

She was working as a bookkeeper for the Pepsi Company in Yakima when she met Paul Berndt who would become her husband. They eventually married and built a life together on an apple orchard in Naches Heights. That is also where they raised their two sons, Greg and Jeff.

Jean was a natural homemaker, and she poured her love into her home, her family, and anyone lucky enough to sit at her table. As her boys got older, she found a new way to care for others—through service. She volunteered for eight years with the American Red Cross Cancer Society, and then later with North Star in the oncology department until she was 87 years old. Jean truly loved the friendships and purpose she found through volunteering. Quiet by nature, she did not keep a big circle, but the close friends she did have were like family—and her loyalty, love and dry sense of humor ran deep.

Jean had a quiet kind of brilliance. She played the bassoon as a child, and as an adult, she became an avid reader, baker, and cook. She was the kind of person who did not need the spotlight—she just showed up, did the work, and made things better for everyone around her. Depending on who you were, you might have known her as Jean, Jeanie, Honey, Grandma, Mom.... or "Kid," by someone who became like a sister to her.

She is survived by her sons Greg and Jeff Berndt, their spouses Dottie and Ginny Berndt and her most treasured grandkids Hannah Chapiro and William Berndt, all of whom will carry her strength and love forward.

A service to celebrate Jean's life will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home in Terrace Heights on Friday October 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM with a graveside service at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Yakima Valley Libraries—a place that reflects her lifelong love of books, learning and quiet discovery.