Audrey Augustine Herres

Posted: Sunday, September 8, 2013

Oct. 24, 1921 - Sept. 1, 2013

Audrey Beechinor Herres, 91, passed away Sept. 1, 2013, in Walla Walla at Wheatland Village. She was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Walla Walla, graduated from St. Pat's High School and attended Washington State University. It was love at first sight when she met Ferd Herres of Pomeroy at the campus Newman Club. They were married July 12, 1942, in Walla Walla just as Ferd began service in World War II as a B-17 pilot. Their first year was spent moving to various military bases throughout the country for his training. They made many wonderful friendships during that time and maintained them throughout their lives.

Audrey's first love was people. Her home was always open to visitors for meals, "hotel" stays and sharing stories. Hundreds of people - family, friends and business associates - were welcomed over the nearly seven decades they maintained their home in Pomeroy. Audrey was actively involved in the development of their businesses - Farm and Home Supply, Ferd Herres Chevrolet and J.I. Case dealership. She was a committed member of the Altar Society of Holy Rosary Church.

She loved to dance and regretted that their busy work and family lives left little opportunity for them to kick up their heels as they had in their early years. She loved to play bridge, listen to music and loved children. On Halloween, she and Ferd delighted in inviting every trick-or-treater inside their home and kept a yearly log of who came.

The couple were passionate fans and supporters of WSU athletics and attended football games into their 80s. They loved to travel, taking many trips abroad, usually in groups related to their businesses. Audrey loved telling about the night she danced with Bob Hope.

But the greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged and delighted in the unique gifts of each one. Audrey is survived by her three children, Jerry (Libby) Herres, Carolyn Michael and Virginia (Alan Abrams) Wise; seven grandchildren; and six and a half great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ferd Herres, in 2010 and her grandson, Brad Burns in 1997; also by her brothers, Bob and Bill Beechinor; and her sister, Frances Nelson.

Audrey's children wish to express their deepest gratitude to the skillful, deeply caring, loving and dependable caregivers from Angie's Angels, Res Care Home Care and Hospice of Walla Walla during her final years. Special thanks to the Rev. Bob Turner, Mary Ann Reinhardt, Joan Kay Herres, Cindy Gregoire and all who faithfully visited her.

Rosary services were recited Thursday at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Her funeral Mass was celebrated Friday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pomeroy. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Walla Walla; Garfield County Hospital Auxiliary; or a charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home. Family or friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.