Kerry Lyn Borba

Kerry Lyn (Jurgens) Borba of Milton Freewater, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026.

Born in Ellensburg, Washington, on March 28, 1953, to Lawrence and Glee Jurgens.

Soon after Kerry was born, the family moved to Arcata, California, where she was later blessed with four sisters, Lauren, Kimberly, Kelly, and Heidi, all born in Arcata.

In 1959, the family of six moved to the small little town of Blue Lake, California, where, at a very young age, Kerry fell in love with William (Bill) Retchless. The couple married and had two beautiful children together, Tracy and Todd Retchless.

Although Bill and Kerry had a special life together, their marriage ended after 12 years, and a couple of years later is when Kerry met and married her present husband, Thomas (Tom) Borba. Thomas and Kerry soon welcomed two children of their own, Brook and Brad Borba.

In Kerry’s lifetime, she was defined by her devotion to her family. She had strong maternal instincts and welcomed and cared for any and all children. She ran a daycare while her own children were young. Kerry had many “mini careers,” and after her time was up with the daycare, she enjoyed being a cashier at Blue Lake’s only grocery store. This was a good fit for Kerry as she enjoyed chattin it up with the customers, all of whom she knew very well. Later, she worked for the Parks and Recreation Dept. in Blue Lake, transforming Perigot Park into a loving place for families to gather. She loved the ballfield and was a darn good ball player. This was one of Kerry’s favorite times of her life, and she spoke of it often. Kerry used her love of plants and gardening to beautify the park’s entrance. In 1991, Kerry and her two younger children, Brook and Brad, moved to Idaho. Kerry found a job managing the Post Falls, Idaho, Factory Outlet Mall, and later was a Property Manager at Roff Real Estate when Kerry and Thomas moved to Milton Freewater, Oregon. She was very passionate about her positions and put her heart and soul into everything that she did. She cared, loved deeply, and enjoyed the simple things in life.

Kerry was serious and meant business when necessary, but she will be remembered most for her humorous and joyful personality. Between her and her husband Tom, you could count on love and laughter in the home. She was a safe place for her family, a source of comfort, love, and strength. Kerry will also be remembered for her love of gardening (boy, did she have a green thumb), canning, cooking, camping, listening to music, and sharing a meal. Holiday meals and gatherings were very important and special to her. Her children could always depend on a home-cooked meal. Kerry will be deeply missed by all.

Kerry is survived by her husband of 44 years, Thomas Borba; four children: Tracy Henry (Bob), Todd Retchless (Ashley), Brook Williams (Trevor), and Brad Borba; three sisters: Lauren (Laurie) Lochner, Kim Sechrest, and Heidi Inman; and she leaves behind eight incredible grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Kerry is preceded in death by her loving parents, Lawrence and Glee Jurgens, and her beautiful sister, Kelly Parker.

No formal services will be held at this time. There will be a private celebration of life at a later date.

For memorial contributions, please plant a memorial tree in memory of Kerry, or you may donate to a charity of your choice 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.