Elaine K. Hergert

Elaine Hergert passed away on October 3, 2023, at the age of 94. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Elain was born on March 25, 1929, in Burbank, WA, to Almah (Conklin) and Robert Eldon Kittrell. She married Robert J. Hergert on September 4, 1948, at the First Congregational Church in Walla Walla. A graduate of Prescott High School, a student of Adult Education/Business through Walla Walla Community College, and Financial Education through the banking industry. She lived in the Walla Walla area most of her life, where she and her husband raised two sons.

After her boys reached school age, Elaine was employed in the Superintendent’s Office of School District 140, in the Drama Dept and the Treasurer’s Office at Whitman College, and 15 years at First Federal Savings [now Banner Bank], where she retired in 1989 as Executive Secretary.

She was active in Parent/Teacher Events with Cub Scouts, serving as Den Mother for many years. She was a member of the American Business Womens’ Association [ABWA], a long-time Walla Walla Country Club member, served as President of “Club Nine” golfing group, and served on the Women’s Social Board. For many years, she was a member of the First Congregational Church, serving on the Diaconate Board and teaching in Church School. Because of her husband’s affiliation with the Elks’ Lodge, she was a member of the Lady Elks.

Retirement included traveling, golf, bridge, and entertaining family and friends at their cabin; we built the cabin in 1987 on the South Fork of the Walla Walla River. They spent many winters golfing at Lake Havasu, AZ. Their son, Brian, and his wife, Debi, joined them on a very special trip to the Rose Bowl in 1998 to see the game between WSU and Michigan.

Elaine is survived by her two sons, Robert (Loretta) of Leavenworth, KS and Brian (Debi) of Walla Walla; Three grandsons, Andrew Hergert of Germany, Todd and Patrice Hergert of Lacey, WA, and Scott Hergert of Leavenworth, KS; Four great-grandsons, Tristan, Jalen, Cory and Dwayne; and one great-granddaughter, Nora.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Leona Darrington, Almamae Cooney, and Bette Livengood; one brother, Robert Kittrell; two nephews, Jerry Livengood and Chet Cooney; and her husband, Robert, of 71 years.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who took care of Elaine in her later years, and especially Barb and her Staff at the Washington Odd Fellows Home, for the excellent care they provided to Elaine.

At Elaine’s request, no service will be held. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.