September 3, 1940 - June 3, 2024
Judith “Judy” Irene Van Hersett passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2024, in Spokane, WA. She was born September 3, 1940, in Spokane, to Elmer and Lillian Morlan (Moeller). She grew up in a home on Manito Golf Course with her two sisters, mother, father, and grandmother. Her parents had a family farm near Worley, Idaho, where many seasons were spent in the wheat and barley fields. Her entrepreneurial father started Morlan Tire Company, selling wheels and tires to many in Spokane. Judy attended Lewis and Clark High School (’58) and Washington State College, joining the Alpha Phi sorority, and graduating with honors with a B.A. in English Literature 1962.
At WSU, Judy met a handsome man on a fraternity blind date, David Van Hersett of Spokane. They enjoyed dressing up for formal dances and attending a myriad of social events, making lifelong friends along the way. In 1962 they said, “I do” and Judy supported Dave while he finished his master’s degree in business to complement his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. They were then stationed in Pittsburgh, PA while Dave completed his Air Force tour of duty. They welcomed their first son, John, in 1967 and moved back to Spokane to be closer to family. Soon, daughter Kristen followed, and then two more boys, Dave Jr. and George.
Judy and Dave settled on the South Hill and created a lifelong home full of wonderful memories for their busy family of six. Judy was always welcoming neighborhood children into their home and befriended many of their families. As the children grew and brought home friends, Judy always had an extra plate of spaghetti or bowl of soup, and an extra place for them to sleep if needed. Every child was a friend, and she always believed the best in people, never speaking poorly of others, instilling these values in her children and others throughout the years. Judy was an accomplished pianist often filling the house with music. Many traditions were built around the holidays, including fancy dining room dinners and backyard patio parties. Loon Lake was a frequent summer getaway, holding their own version of the Summer Olympics, and attracting relatives for reunions from near and far. Winter weekends were spent skiing at Schweitzer. Judy’s greatest accomplishment was the beautiful and lasting relationships she created with her loving husband, children and friends.
When the kids flew the nest, Judy worked on her golf game and joined Dave on the course, wintering in Palm Desert for many years, and making two holes-in-one! She and Dave became active in the Spokane Corvette Club events, shows and even road rallies all over the Northwest and Canada, where Judy liked to “burn out” and go fast. She became her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader, attending every event possible and supporting them through all their accomplishments. All that knew her, loved her. She will be missed and remembered fondly.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Linda. Her younger sister, Sandy, continues to live in Spokane. Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Dave, of 62 years, her children, John Van Hersett (Kristen), Kristen Armstrong (Joel), Dave Van Hersett Jr. (Lisa), George Van Hersett, grandchildren Emily Hangartner (Jacob), Morgan Armstrong, Dylynn, Josh, Jack, and Cole Van Hersett, nephews, and nieces.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 10th from 3:00-7:00pm at the family home. Donations can be made in her name to the Spokane Lilac Association, Spokane Rotary, or the Spokane Ostomy Support Group.
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