Mary Louise Austin Kerns

Mary Austin Kerns, 73, passed away March 16, 2026, in Kennewick, WA, in the company of her husband of 53 years, Robert Kerns, and her sisters-in-law Debbie Reno and Pat Templeton.

Born April 26, 1952, in Walla Walla, WA, to Alpha and Louise Austin, Mary was the only daughter of their 3 children. She attended the Catholic grade school in Walla Walla, where she acquired a lifelong love of dance. Mary studied ballet and opened and closed all the recitals while in grade school. Throughout her life she performed and taught, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Belly Dance.

Her passion for horses also began at this time, as she rode her Godfather’s horse, Babe, throughout the mountains around their cabin up Mill Creek near Walla Walla. She continued to ride and train horses throughout her life.

While at Pioneer Jr High, Mary was the yearbook editor. When she graduated to Wa-Hi she became the captain of the girls’ rifle team. She caused a change in scoring from, high point meet and high point girls, to high point boys and high point girls. The rifle team’s coach was extremely disappointed when Mary’s mother decided she was too young to compete on the US Olympic Rifle Team.

Mary was working as a commercial artist when she met her husband in 1972. They were married in Walla Walla and spent almost 54 wonderful years together until her death in 2026.

Mary is survived by her husband, Robert Kerns, 3 horses, 11 cats, and 1 fish.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. You are invited to dress casually and wear purple to honor Mary’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mary’s name to your favorite animal rescue or bird sanctuary. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.