Burnetta Lou Whalen

Burnetta (Bea) Lou Bradley Whalen, 82, of Kennewick, Washington, went to be in God's Garden on September 2, 2025.

She was born on March 2, 1943, in Vancouver, Washington, to Byron and Mae Lucile Bradley. Her mother passed away later that same year, during World War II, while her father was serving overseas in France. Bea was lovingly raised for the first eight years of her life by Rose and Everett Foren-hardworking farm folk who became lifelong mentors and shaped her values.

Bea's father later remarried, and the family moved frequently as he worked in construction. She attended school in Prosser, Sunnyside, Richland, Yakima, and Kingston, and ultimately graduated from East Valley High School in 1961. In 1965, she completed her studies at the Charm School of Cosmetology in Yakima.

She married David Whalen of Bellingham, Washington, in 1963. Together they raised two children, Ginnel and David Todd, and spent 15 years in Moxee before moving to Kennewick. There, they founded Big Toe Truck and Auto, where Bea worked as co-owner and bookkeeper for 28 years. Alongside her husband, she also developed rental properties for more than four decades.

Bea had a passion for home décor, floral arrangements-especially featuring lilies and roses-gardening, canning, and freezing. Nothing ever went to waste in her home. Friends and neighbors knew this well, and surplus produce would often appear on her porch as gifts.

She was unforgettable-her striking blue-green eyes, warm smile, and big hugs left a lasting impression. She never forgot a birthday and held her grandsons and great-grandsons closest to her heart.

Bea and David loved to travel. Together they explored Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and every U.S. state except five on the East Coast. Her favorite destination was always the Oregon Coast.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Lucile Fairfield Bradley; stepmother, Margie Bradley; brother, Bryan Bradley; grandson, Brent Whalen; and her beloved husband, David Whalen.

She is survived by her sisters, Diane Sims and Kattie Mabes; daughter, Ginnel Childers; grandson, Mark Childers (Jammie); great-grandsons, Mark Childers Jr. and Mason Childers; son, David Todd Whalen; and grandson, Rhett Whalen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Tri-Cities:

NAMI Tri-Cities

1177 Jadwin Ave, Suite 105

Richland, WA 99352

Please make checks payable to NAMI Washington and write NAMI Tri-Cities on the memo line, or donate online at:

https://www.namiwa.org/donate