Sally Ann Heberling

August 20, 1953 - November 22, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Bammie, Sally Ann Heberling. Mom lost a fast and furious battle with cancer on Saturday, November 22, 2025. She fought a valiant fight against an extremely aggressive enemy. The strength and bravery with which she fought and then subsequently accepted her fate are a true testament to her character.

Born on August 20, 1953, to Lawrence J. and Bobbye Sue Heberling Jr. in Colville, WA. She was raised in Colville along with her older sister Susie and her younger brother Jim. She would marry Otto Ward, together they would have two daughters: Katanna ('71) and Terina "the Baby" ('73). They would divorce in 1977, and she would move to Spokane, WA.

Working first as a waitress, she would get a job in Dietary at Sacred Heart Medical Center in May 1980. While working in Dietary, she went back to school, got her G.E.D., and completed coursework at community college to move into the Billing Department at (now) Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. She worked in the Billing Department for many years before becoming a front desk staff member with Providence Spokane Cardiology, where she retired after 44 years of service in 2023. Through the years, co-workers became lifelong friends, many like family. In her later years she would pet sit for many of the doctors and nurses she represented. She took great pride in having them trust her with their beloved pets. Mom touched many, many lives over the years.

Anyone who met Mom quickly found out just how much she adored her daughters and grandchildren, especially her grandchildren. Affectionately referred to as "Bammie", the name given to her by her oldest grandchild. None were more touched by Mom than her grandchildren. Being Bammie was her absolute greatest gift. There was very little that Bammie missed. She was present for every surgery, every game and dance recital/ competition. Halloween and Christmas were her favorite times with the kids. She trick-or-treated with them every single year. Mom's favorite holiday being Christmas, Christmas was truly magical with Bammie. Birthdays were special too. As the kids got older and harder to shop for, she looked forward to taking them for a special meal and shopping. A day each of them would come to cherish, year after year. Too many laughs to count. Too much love to measure.

In the short time she was retired, she enjoyed having no set schedule. She spent time with her friends and loved ones. She gardened and had "special coffee" on weekend mornings.

Sally Ann was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence J. Heberling Jr. ('94); her mother, Bobbye Sue Heberling ('08); her niece, Angela (Chopot) Gagnon ('25); and her great-nephew, Noah Heberling ('25).

Her absence will be felt for years to come by her fiancé, Alan (Spence) Spencer. Her daughters, Katanna (Eddie) Rivera and Terina Ward. Her grandchildren, Alex Allison, Aubree Nichols and Tre' Boyd. Her sister, Susie (John) Chopot; her brother, Jim (Kerri) Heberling; and her nieces/nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and a great-great-niece. As well as many, many dear friends.

Mom loved to dance. She loved music. We will find her in many a song...

At mom's request, there will be no service. If you would like to honor her memory, please feel free to make a donation in her name to a local animal shelter. She would love that.