Audrey Joanette WERST Obituary (2025)

On February 1st, 2025, Audrey Joanette Werst passed away. She was born on March 3rd, 1932, to Leo and Marion Dietzen. At just 2 years old, Audrey began her dance journey at Yakima's first dance school, which was operated by her Aunt Ellen. As a child, she enjoyed spending time in Marion's Beauty Shoppe owned by her mother, as she matured, she assisted her father at his bakery & cafeteria, the first establishment of its kind in the Yakima Valley. Audrey completed her education at St. Joseph Academy for Girls, graduating in 1951. Audrey cherished the memory of dancing with her parents, where she met her future husband, Donald Hearron. They tied the knot on November 24th, 1956, and had two sons, Doug and Jon. The family lived on the Hearron Hop Ranch in Granger, WA. Tragedy struck on October 19th, 1969, when Don passed away. Audrey then relocated to Yakima with her sons, where she worked for the National Bank of Commerce and Harold H. Schultz Company. By doing so, she was able to purchase her first home on her own. In 1971, Audrey met the love of her life, Donald Werst, and his sons, Larry and Jerry. Audrey and Don exchanged vows on December 2nd, 1972, and began their new life together. Over the next 47 years, they built a life that was filled with love, laughter, and excitement. Don introduced Audrey and her sons to the game of golf. Audrey eventually became a member of the Elks Golf and Country Club where she joined Ladies of the Elks. Audrey proved to be a natural at fishing, more often than not outdoing Don on their fishing excursions. Together they traveled the county in their different motorhomes enjoying the sights with lifelong friends. Audrey and Don would spend the winters in Hawaii and Palm Springs, settling in Palm Springs. Together they created memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Donald Werst's passing on October 19th, 2019, was a tremendous loss. Audrey's home remained the hub of family gatherings, with her daughter-in-law Janette by her side. The pool parties continued into her later years. On January 14th, 2025, she became a great-great-grandmother, a remarkable milestone in her extraordinary life. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Marion Dietzen, brothers Gary, William, and Gordon Francis, husband Donald Hearron, husband Donald Werst, and daughter-in-law Angie Hearron. She is survived by her four sons, Doug Hearron, Jon Hearron, Larry Werst, and Jerry Werst, daughters-in-law Janette Hearron and Sherry Werst, as well as three generations of grandchildren. A Vigil Service is scheduled for Friday, February 28th, 2025 at 7:00pm at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home, 201 N. 2nd St, Yakima, WA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 10:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church in the chapel. A reception will follow in Fr. Murtagh Hall. Audrey will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The mass will be live-streamed. Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/live/t5XExwlcKpc?si=446nx559hRiYQ65d