Anne Stevens Whelchel, 78, of Pullman, passed away November 23, 2020 at her Pullman home surrounded by her family.  Anne was born June 20, 1942 in Vancouver, WA to Allan & Evelyn (Sherk) Stevens.

She grew up in Camas, WA and Salem, OR where she graduated from North Salem High School.  Anne attended Willamette University in Salem, OR for a time following graduation.  She married Stanley Steele and together they had four children.  Anne provided childcare from her home for years and did various charitable work in the communities in which the family lived.  When the family moved to Moscow, ID and she continued her work in childcare and caring for "failure to thrive" children as a foster parent.  She and Stan later divorced.

Anne was a member and singer with the Hog Heaven Big Band for more than 25 years and performed at many events in the Palouse.

Anne met David Whelchel and they married in March of 1995, and togeather they have made their home in Pullman Washington.  Anne continued to provide childcare from her home and worked in the area staging homes for sale. Anne's true passion was helping others, so she was an active volunteer, assisting others in need of help.  She loved unconditionally and always cared for others, helping family and friends.

Anne and David opened their home to students from Washington State University. Many young people from other nations came to call Anne and David's home their own home away from home.  They were welcomed warmly in their home as a member of the family, and until the last day of her life, she considered them as sons and daughters.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pullman and was always involved in the life of the church.  Anne taught, was a Cantor, a Lector, served on the Alter Society and was a member of Catholic Daughters.  She was often one of the first parishioner to welcome a new family or guest to the church.

Anne is survived by her husband David at the family home in Pullman; her children, Philip Steele (Agnieszka) of Poland, and his children, Suzuka, Amber, Marcus, and Timothy; Evelyn (Jeff) Goldsmith of Klamath Falls, and their children, Annie, Joseph and John; Michael Steele (Mariana) of Fayetteville, Georgia, and their children, Brian, Megan and Emily; David Steele (Christina) of

Elko, NV; three brothers, Larry Stevens; Sid Stevens & Leigh Stevens. Anne is also survived by David's children, Kelsey Valbert (Duane) of Pullman WA and children Anthony and Zachary; and Aaron Whelchel (Shae) of Vancouver WA and son Rowan all of whom she always thought of as being her own. Between Anne and David there are 14 wonderful grandchildren.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents.  The Funeral Mass for family was celebrated on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  She will be interred at the Pullman Cemetery in a private family ceremony.  Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Father Bach Haven, 108 S. State Street, Spokane, WA 99201 or to Catholic Charities.  Online condolences may be sent to www.kimballfh.com