Consuelo "Connie" Spence

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Connie Spence, 61, of Walla Walla, after an epic and courageously hard-fought battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Connie was born in Weiser, Idaho, on November 23, 1963, to Pablo and Francisca Chavarria Balderas, the oldest of two children.

She moved to Walla Walla as a child and attended local schools, graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1982. In her time at Wa-Hi, she participated in softball and especially enjoyed her time in ROTC and Sponsors. She attended cosmetology school at WWCC.

In 1984, she met her future husband, and her entire life took on a larger purpose. She married Rick Spence on July 22, 1989, and enjoyed over 36 years of marriage. She gave the world four beautiful children; each one brought more joy than the last.

The family moved away briefly but returned to their roots in 1992, where they would raise their children, having attended Green Park, Pioneer, and Wa-Hi, as she had done. Connie rejoined the working world, working at the Walla Walla Farmers Co-op store and, eventually, her favorite job with the Walla Walla School District. She absolutely cherished working with the kids, especially at Blue Ridge and Green Park. She made friends easily due to her personality and wonderful smile.

Connie was happiest spending time with her family, especially doting on her grandchildren. She loved to crochet, making big, beautiful blankets for her kids and grandkids. She loved camping, cooking shows, reading, mushroom hunting, traveling, and going to concerts. She loved everything from Elvis to Metallica! The last show she was able to attend was Chicago, here at home.

Connie is survived by her husband, Rick, of Walla Walla; sons, David Wilson of Milton Freewater, Logan Spence (Desiree Beardontwalk), of Walla Walla, Ethan Spence (Sera) of Lowden, Kaelan Spence (Jordon) of Spokane, and daughter Taylor Pierson (Josh Miller) of College Place; a brother, David Balderas, of Walla Walla. She is further survived by 11 grandchildren and over two dozen nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Connie was a rare light on the earth, with a smile that made you feel like you'd always known her, and she will be missed by all the lives she touched.

Special thanks to Walla Walla Community Hospice and Sunset Adult Home. Maria, Anna, and Jessi, she really loved you guys.

The rosary will be recited on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 PM at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home in Walla Walla. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Walla Walla. Burial will follow afterwards at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla.

Memorial contributions may be made to CurePSP at www.psp.org or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.