Jeffery Dean Bidwell

July 27, 1952 - February 8th, 2026

Jeff Bidwell was born July 27, 1952 in Bieber, CA to Gene and Merldean Bidwell. He was born on a Sunday morning and his mom loved to tell the story that the church bells were ringing when he was born. Jeff was the second of Gene and Merldean’s five children. Greg – 3 years older, Jennifer – 3 years younger, and then there was Sarah – some 20 years younger. David joined the crew in 1974 and was 13 years younger. Jeff grew up with a keen sense of family, friends and community. Jeff also bonded with his grandpas, dad, brothers, cousins, and close friends over their shared love for hunting. Whether it was deer hunting, elk hunting, or bird hunting, Jeff loved it all. Jeff proudly graduated from Big Valley High School in 1970. While in high school Jeff participated in FFA, football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was his favorite and his love for the Giants and for baseball never waivered. After graduating from high school in 1970, Jeff attended College of the Siskiyous and received his AA degree in Forestry. He worked at Clear Pine Products during the summers and after graduating he went to work at Main Industries, later called Big Valley Lumber Company. Jeff found his true love, Marsha Lynn Elzea, hiding out just 12 miles away in Adin. They married June 23, 1973. Shortly after being married, they became members of Grace Bible Church of Bieber. It was at this time that Jeff began his role as the song leader for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening church services. His involvement quickly expanded into leading Youth Group gatherings and teaching Sunday School classes. In years following, Jeff also became a member of the church board and in May of 1997 he was ordained as a pastor and became the Associate Pastor alongside Kent House. In March of 1976, Jeff and Marsha welcomed their daughter, Erin. She quickly became the apple of her daddy’s eye. They expanded their family exactly 3 years later to the day in 1979 by adding a son, Vance. Jeff could not have been more excited to have added a new ball player to the mix. Several years later, they added a “Bonus Baby”, Christjan, in May of 1989. He too thrilled his dad by having the same passion, love, and talent for all sports, especially baseball. In 1990 Jeff began his career in the fuel business where he worked for Harbert Oil and Ed Staub and Sons Petroleum for over 20 years. It was during these years where Jeff felt he was really able to combine his work with his passion for meeting and serving people. In November of 2014, Jeff suffered a stroke that ended his working years. However, this did not diminish his desire to still be involved with his family, friends, and community. Just as Jeff had entered this world on a Sunday, he parted this world to go be with Jesus on Sunday, February 8th, 2026. He leaves behind: Wife – Marsha Children – Erin (Todd); Vance (Katie); Christjan Grandchildren – Tanner; Braedyn, Dean, Evan, Kysen Siblings – Greg, Jennifer (Mike), David (Kelly), Sarah (Tim) Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and many, many friends A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Big Valley High School Gymnasium in Bieber, CA. A reception will follow at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Bieber.