Date :
Location : Pullman City Cemetery, Pullman, WA
Bernice Metcalf, 77, of Monroe, Wash., passed away Monday, April 6, 2009.
She was born in Madison, S.D., on Aug. 15, 1931, to Edward and Emma Richter. Born the seventh of nine children, Bernice was surrounded by a loving family.
Throughout her life, education was a passion for Bernice. She graduated from Presentation School of Nursing at Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1952. As circumstance would allow, she continued with her education and received a bachelor of science-nursing degree from South Dakota State University in 1967. She also completed a master of education-guidance and counseling degree in 1971 and a master of science-nursing degree in 1984, both from South Dakota State University. Bernice worked in nursing services at hospitals located in Madison, S.D.; Hot Springs, S.D.; Brookings, S.D.; Pullman; and Yuma, Ariz. Bernice also spent many years teaching nursing coursework at Spokane Community College, Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education in Spokane, and Arizona Western College in Yuma. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau.
In 1953, she married James Rees and lived in Custer, S.D. They had four children before she was widowed in 1961. Bernice married Everett Metcalf in 1963 and they added two more children to the family. In 1970 the family moved from Brookings to Pullman. They lived in Washington until 1988 and then moved to sunny Yuma. The final move was to Monroe to be near family. Bernice loved to travel and her many stops included the Philippines, Nepal, India, Chile and Europe. She loved spending time with all nine grandkids - swimming, walking in the desert and going to Disneyland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett; her son, Steven; her parents; a sister; and three brothers.
Bernice is survived by her sons Mark of Pullman, Curt of Chile, and Greg of Atlanta; her daughters Peg of Bellingham, Wash., and Lynelle of Redmond, Wash.; and her nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Dutch, Harry and Bill; and a sister, Mary Ellen.
Bernice will be remembered for her generous, outgoing and nurturing warmth, her willingness to help anyone in need, and the many craft projects that she loved to do.
One of her favorite sayings was, "She who dies with the most unfinished craft projects wins." She was definitely a winner.
There will be a private remembrance service scheduled at Washington State University. Memorials in her name can be made to the Metcalf Family Trust which will go toward tuition scholarships at Bernice's elementary school or to the charity of your choice.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News - Apr 18, 2009
