Bernice Moffett

Bernice Mae Moffett passed away peacefully in the family home on January 12, 2025. She  was born on September 18, 1930 in Sawiisa or the Grant ranch on Thom Beall Road outside of Lapwai, Idaho to Julia White and Daniel Samuel. While growing up on The Ranch she had several aunts and uncles to help raise her while she attended Lapwai Elementary school. She was eventually adopted by her aunt and uncle Delia and Joseph Williams. She joined her sisters Josie and Christine and they all moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Bernice continued junior high school and graduated from North High School in 1948. In high school she was a drum majorette and a member of the ROTC.

On July 29, 1950 she married Walter L Moffett in Kamiah, Idaho. Together they raised seven children. While Walter was completing his education and ministry they lived in Dubuque, IA, Caldwell, ID., Brigham City, UT., San Anselmo, CA, Wellpinit, WA. They moved back to Kamiah in 1964 where they resided until 1985. Walter was appointed to serve churches in Anchorage, AK., Covelo, CA and DePere, WI. They moved back to Kamiah in 1992.

While residing in the different parts of the country Bernice was involved with the community and church. She served on several committees within the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. She was also an advocate for Tribal sovereignty, enrollment and the Indian Child Welfare Act. She was the first woman chairperson for the National Congress of American Indian Women’s Caucus. In the churches she served as trustee in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of the committees of Religion and Race, Finance, Ecumenical Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She also served on the amendments and resolutions committee and was appointed parliamentarian for the Nez Perce Tribe’s general council. Bernice was the chairperson of the Elder’s Circle and was active with Language program. It was during this time the Elder’s Circle with the Colville and Umatilla tribes helped rename several creeks and streams their original Nez Perce meaning. She also worked served as the Victim Advocate for the Tribal Court,  Wa-a’Yas Community Director, Kamiah Branch office manager and TERO commission.

During her leisure time she enjoyed bead work, corn husk weaving, crocheting, and knitting. She was a member of the Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association until arthritis prevented her from continuing her craft. 

Survivors include her children, Elliott (Vonda), Scott, Elroy (Laurie) and Sara Lynn all of Kamiah; grandsons Joel of Suquamish, WA, Von and Leon both of Kamiah; granddaughters, Meredith, Michaeli, Kelsey of Kamiah, Hannah on Chinle, AZ and Taylor (Miguel) of Clarkston, WA. Great-grandchildren Atticus and Ravena of Suquamish and Lucian of Kamiah. 

She is preceded in death by her birth parents and adoptive parents, her brothers Calvin Broncheau, Robert Broncheau , Guy Broncheau,  Kenneth  Allen, Butch Allen. Sisters; Gilda Allen, Freda Allen, Josephine Williams and Christine Cole. Her sons, Stephen, Barrett and Walter., and granddaughter Rebecca Nicole. She also had several cousins who called brother and sisters because in the Nez Perce Language there is no word for cousin. 

The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 16,2025 in Kamiah at the Wa-a’Yas Community Building at 10:30 am. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Reverand Mary Jane Miles and Elder Jeff Guillory will preside over the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville, ID. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to the Talmaks Association.