Brenda Follett

Brenda Jean Backes Follett went to be with her beloved husband Richard “Dick” Arnold Follett on January 21, 2025. She was born December 23, 1941, in Wenatchee, WA to Eldon and Agnes (Peck) Backes, the oldest of nine children. She attended school in Wenatchee until the Great Northern Roundhouse closed in 1955 at which time the family relocated to Everett, WA where she graduated from Everett High School. Shortly after graduation on June 18, 1960, she married her junior high school sweetheart Dick Follett of Wenatchee. They made their first home in Mattawa, WA before moving to Ephrata in 1967. Brenda worked as a school secretary at Wanapum Elementary, a clerk at JCPenney and secretary at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School where she enjoyed working with the Daughters of Charity, retiring June 1994. As Brenda was not ready to be totally retired, she went to work for the Ephrata School District as a classroom para and a Special Needs bus monitor where she found a passion working with the children. Brenda was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ephrata, YLI, the Buzzin Dozen, and a Campfire Leader (10 yrs.) She will be remembered for her big heart as she was always there for others with a kind word, card, food or help. She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school and athletic events, keeping scores at EHS track meets, and traveling around Washington with Dick in their RV; especially spending extended time fishing at Twin Lakes. After her husband’s passing in February 2006, she found joy by volunteering at the Ephrata Food Bank. Loving to dance, she joined the Line Dancing Grannies where she found joy in performing around nearby nursing homes and hospitals; eventually joining the Wheatland Whirlers she loved attending 4x8 square dances around the area. She also had great times traveling with her kids to the Oregon Coast, California, Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone and numerous trips to the lakes and casinos. Brenda is survived by her daughter Debbie (Ed) Tate, and their children, Kristin (Mike) Rizk and Casey (Kevin) Dunlap. Son, Rick Follett, and his children, Hunter and Rebecca Follett. Rod (Lynette) Follett and their children, Cody and Peyton Follett. Great grandchildren, Sophie Rizk, Weston, and Waylon Dunlap. Sisters, Laverne (Buck) Schott, Paulette (Steve) Berg, Tamara Gregory, and Alice (Dave) Walllin. Brothers, Mike, John, Tom (Darci), Tim (Maretina) Backes, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and great-grandchild, Annabelle Rizk. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Rose of Lima School in Ephrata. A Graveside service will be held Thursday, Jan 30th, at 10:00 AM at Evergreen Memorial Park & Mausoleum, East Wenatchee. A Memorial Mass & Luncheon will be held Thursday, Jan 30th at 1:00 pm, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 323 D St. SW, Ephrata. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Brenda Follett

December 23, 1941 - January 21, 2025