Andrea "Andie" Hewitt Sanders

Andrea (Andie) Hewitt Sanders, 70, of Walla Walla, died at home on March 20, 2026, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis and vascular dementia.

Andie was born February 4, 1956, in Kent, England, to Heather (Pettyfer) and Peter Hewitt. When Andie was a baby, her family immigrated to the US. The family settled in Saratoga, California, where Andie was joined by four brothers and a baby sister. Her father’s work moved the family to places like Brussels, Belgium, and Battle Creek, Michigan. Eventually, they settled in Claremont, California, where Andie graduated from High School in 1974.

Growing up, Andie was a good student, rebellious, and enjoyed having fun with her friends, especially her best friend, Lynn Dziergas, whom she called Lenny Sue. She loved the beach and the California sunshine and spent many sunny days working on her tan. Andie loved rock and roll music, especially Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones. She had a well-developed sense of humor, an infectious giggle, and was known for her sarcasm.

In her early 20s, Andie married Brian Taylor and welcomed two sons, Sean and Timothy. A decade later, Andie married Mason Smith. They share one daughter, Molly. In 1994, Mason accepted a job at Whitman College, and the family relocated to Walla Walla, Washington, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

In 2003, Andrea married Rick Sanders, a longtime friend and coworker from Key Technology, where Andie worked for almost two decades. They enjoyed their life together immensely, going on vacations to Hawaii and Mexico and building their dream home, often joined by their beloved Yorkie, Simon. Andie enjoyed a good laugh, her garden, her family and friends, and keeping up with the comings and goings of her neighborhood. She was very proud of her English heritage and had the Union Jack hanging in her bedroom.

As her health declined, Rick worked tirelessly to care for Andie, keeping his promise to her that she would remain living at home for as long as they could manage. Determined to enjoy their remaining time together, they made several trips to visit family in Washington, Oregon, and California. They were even able to attend Andie’s 50th high school reunion in September of 2024.

Andie’s brother Jonathan made countless visits from California and video-called her daily to make her laugh, adding considerable joy to her final months with his silliness and warmth.

Andrea was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Heather, her brother, Paul, and her dear pup, Simon. Andrea is survived by her father, Peter; devoted husband, Rick; sons, Sean (Katherine) and Tim (Magan); daughter, Molly (Dustin); and two stepdaughters, Amy (Chris) Bohlman and Casey Sanders. Andrea was a proud grandmother to 11 beautiful grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Walla Walla Community Hospice for their enduring support.

A celebration of life is being planned for mid-summer. If Andrea would have wanted you there, you’ll be invited.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.