Novelyn Brandt

Novelyn Brandt passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026 at Hospice House in University Place, WA with her daughter by her side.

Novelyn was born to Loyd Claiborne and Wilma Inez (Pearson) Claiborne on July 26, 1936. She grew up in Calico Rock AR and graduated in 1954 from Calico Rock High School. She then worked at the State Bank of Calico Rock until the late 1950’s when she moved to Oroville WA to be near family.

She worked at the State Bank of Oroville until she was introduced by mutual friends to Leroy Brandt in March 1965. They married 3 months later in June 1965 and were married for 55 years until Roy’s passing in 2020.

She worked for the West Valley School District Administration Office as secretary in accounts payable for 22 years, retiring in 1996.

In her earlier years, Novelyn was an avid bowler, winning two 300 perfect game trophies. In retirement, Novelyn and Roy went on many trips to Reno and Elko NV. They also enjoyed taking the bus to Seattle to watch the Mariners. Novelyn was a die-hard Mariners fan, rarely missing a game on TV. She also loved Gonzaga Basketball. Nov was known for her delicious huckleberry pies and pancakes that she would make from the buckets of huckleberries that she and Roy had picked from the hills of Packwood. She also made a lemon meringue pie that would rival any bakery. Novelyn always made every birthday and holiday special for her family, sometimes leaving little poems from Santa with clues on where and what a present was. She was a very special lady with the sweetest disposition. We miss her terribly, but are so thankful for her love and special memories.

In May 2024 she sold their home of 52 years in Yakima and moved to Gig Harbor WA to be near her daughter, son in law, and grand pets.

She is survived by her daughter Tricia (Brandt) Angell & son in law Scott Angell of Gig Harbor. Nieces Michelle (Brandt) Clark, husband Dennis Clark of Arizona, Rebecca (Brandt) Goodwin of Idaho, many cousins and dear friends.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Leroy Brandt, her mother Wilma Crane, father Loyd Claiborne, and sister LaVerne Smith

A Celebration of Life will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home on July 31st at 10:00am in Wapato WA.