Pearl Verbeck
“I have trusted in Thy loving kindness; My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation, I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
Sara Pearl Longanecker was born on July 23, 1918 to Samuel G. and Helena Bechtel Longanecker near Omak, Wash. She completed her formal education at the Tonasket Schools, graduating in June of 1936.
Pearl worked for a time in Republic as a telephone operator after graduation. She married Emert J. Verbeck on March 12, 1940, at the Longanecker family home. They were married for 69 years at the time of her passing.
Pearl held various secretarial positions, packed apples for Regal Fruit and for her brother John. She was always a loving, supportive wife, mother and active church and community member. In addition to being a true helpmate to her husband, and mother, in the fullest sense of the word, to her four children, she also fostered a boy, so he could attend and finish high school. Her God-given gifts were music and flowers. She played many instruments, without formal training. She shared those gifts with her church in many capacities. She sang in a quartet for over 35 years. They sang at many weddings, funerals and other social functions during this time. Pearl was an active member of the Tonasket Garden Club for many years. Successfully making prize winning arrangements. She was the club’s Past President. She also co-owned a yarn shop for several years in Tonasket. In addition, she painted oil paintings for a time and made quilts and afghans for family members. Pearl also enjoyed flower gardening. She had beautiful gardens. She became a certified Washington State Flower Judge, judging shows throughout the state.
She is survived by her husband, Emert J. Verbeck of the home in Tonasket; her four children: E. Wayne, Tonasket, Al and Carol (nee Verbeck) O’Dell, Omak, Ron and Pat Verbeck, Tonasket, John and Connie Verbeck, Tonasket. She is also survived by 11 adoring grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings: John Longanecker, Jessie Longanecker Verbeck, Earl Longanecker, Ernest Longanecker and her daughter-in-law, Sheryl Verbeck.
She will be missed by family and friends. She was a Godly woman, who shared, in both word and deed, her faith with her children.
Interment will be Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the Mountain View Cemetery, near Ellisforde, at 10 a.m. Her Memorial Service will follow at Ellisforde Church of the Brethren at 11 a.m. Pastor Jim Yaussy Albright will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Ellisforde Church of the Brethren.
“I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust.”
Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket in care of arrangements.
