MAXINE FAY WHERRY

Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home

Maxine Fay Wherry, 67, of Yakima, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

Maxine was born November 8, 1943, in Enterprise Oregon, to John and Estelle Hall. She moved to Benton City and attended school there. Maxine later moved to Naches and graduated from Naches High School in 1961.

She attended Yakima Valley Community College for two years, after which she transferred to Washington State University and graduated with a degree in teaching in 1965. Maxine taught school in Monroe for two years and in 1967 married Bruce Wherry and lived in Yakima until Bruce was drafted into the army in 1969. They lived in Ft. Ord, CA for two years, during which their daughter, Amber, was born.

In 1971 they returned to Yakima so Bruce could continue his pharmacy career and in 1974 their son, Craig, was born. When Craig and Amber were both old enough to be in school, Maxine attended Central Washington University to update her teaching credentials for Special Education and began a long career teaching at Moxee Elementary School. In 2000 Maxine and several fellow teachers at Moxee completed a Masters Degree program at Heritage University and all proudly received degrees together.

A lung cancer diagnosis in 2002 prompted Maxine's retirement and she and Bruce embarked on a number of memorable trips, enjoying this lifestyle for several years. Bruce and Maxine built a new home in 2005 and enjoyed the comforts and views every single day. After several years of good health, Maxine's cancer returned in 2008. The excellent care provided by Dr. Albert Brady and staff at Washington Hematology and Oncology allowed a satisfying time until her final days were spent at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents John and Estelle Hall and her brother Ray Hall. She is survived by husband Bruce Wherry of Yakima; daughter Amber Wherry of St. Louis, MO; son Craig Wherry and his wife Amy of Bellingham; sisters Ruby (Hall) Pettett of Spokane and Betty (Hall) Cameron of Oak Harbor; and brothers Rolland Hall and his wife Barb of Richland, Duane Hall of Naches and Dean Hall of Tieton, plus numerous nieces and nephews, and most dear friends Bud and Robyn Ellis of Yakima.

Donations may be made to Lung Cancer Alliance: 888 16th St. N.W., Suite 150, Washington, D.C., 20006. At Maxine's request, there will be no funeral services, but a memorial will be announced later.