Donna (Bunny) Lea Burris Pehl, age 87, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home on the South Fork, Raymond, Washington where she resided for the past two years.
Bunny was born Aug. 13, 1933, in Leavenworth, Washington. In her senior year of high school, she met the love of her life, a Willapa Valley farm boy 8 years older named Walter Pehl.
They were married in 1951 and began their 55 years together.
Bunny and Walt were soon blessed with a family of five children and moved into their new house on the family farm. Mom was known for her cooking skills, especially her dinner rolls and cabbage rolls at family gatherings. She delighted in teaching grandchildren cooking skills. She was also a great seamstress sewing baby clothes, wedding gowns, prom dresses and cheerleader outfits.
Bunny was an avid quilter — teaching many that art. She had a love of music and sang in choirs and performed in musicals at the Willapa Playhouse. As a farm wife and mother, she helped pull calves, milk cows and drive the hay wagon if needed. Mom’s house was always filled with family and friend, and she directed all the activities.
Bunny also loved gardening and canning. Her children remember that it was common to have an unknown person at the table — as Bunny was the ultimate example of unconditional love. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a spiritual giant to her family and community.
Donna (Bunny) was preceded in death by her husband Walter, daughter Kathi Holland, and grandsons Adam and Tanner Pehl. She is survived by her sons: Wayne Pehl, Raymond, Washington and David Pehl, Colville, Washington; and daughters: Christine Pehl Aguirre, Vancouver, Washington and Carolyn (David) Allee, Raymond, Washington. Her family also includes 25 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Private funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Raymond. Burial will follow at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo. Memorials can be made to Raymond Ambulance or Raymond Home Health and Hospice.
