Rachel J. Wapsheli Zumwalt, 81, of Stites, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.
Rachel was born Feb. 11, 1932, at Jacques Spur, to Leo and Delia (Whitman) Wapsheli at her grandmother Mrs. Jackson Sundown's house.
Rachel attended school at Slickpoo Mission up to the third grade, then continued her education at Stites and Culdesac until she was sent to the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Ore., when she was in the 10th grade.
Her mother passed away when Rachel was 5 or 6 years old. She was then left in the care of her grandmother's sister, Almeta Stephens. Prior to going to school, Rachel and her brother, Allen, didn't learn to speak English, nor were they permitted to eat candy or drink pop. Their exposure to nontraditional food and customs were rare.
Rachel's Niimiipu name was Peelo Sun My, named after Mrs. Jackson Sundown and a direct descendant of Kool Kool Tami, a famous Nez Perce tribal leader.
Rachel served as princess to the 1950 Lewiston Roundup court for the Indian section. She was also the honored whip woman at various functions, keeping order during ceremonies.
On Nov. 28, 1978, in Reno, Nev., Rachel married Robert Lee Zumwalt. They made their home in Stites until he passed away.
Rachel worked in the fields during pea harvest and as a cultural demonstrator. She was one of the last fluent speakers of the Nez Perce language. She assisted her brother, Allen Slickpoo Sr., in teaching of the Nez Perce language.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Delia Wapsheli; her grandmother who raised her, Almeta Stephens; her sisters, Leona and Vivian Wapsheli; and her husband, Robert (Lee) Zumwalt.
Rachel is survived by her brother, Allen Slickpoo Sr.; and several nieces and nephews.
Washat Services were held Tuesday at the Long TiPi near the family home in Stites. Burial will be at 9 a.m. today at the Stephens Family Cemetery near Stites. Trenary Funeral Home of Kooskia assisted the family.
