Anna Lorete Herrman

Anna Lorete Bauman Herrman, longtime resident of Connell, Washington, joined her husband Keith in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, October 11, 2013. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends, at the age of 82.

Anna began her life on January 16, 1931 in Grand Junction, Colorado, the second child of Otto and Louella Bauman. She spent her childhood on her parents’ peach orchard and spent her summers following her father and grandfather to their construction projects. Anna loved Western Colorado and always maintained ties with her family and friends of that area. Anna’s love of art began by her sketching the beautiful Grand Mesa that overlooked the Grand Junction area.

Anna graduated from high school in Grand Junction, Colorado and belonged to the proud class of 1948. “Go Tigers!” She then attended Mesa State College in Grand Junction on a full academic scholarship, graduating with an Associate of Arts degree. In 1952, Anna completed her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, with minors in Art and Music. Anna, along with her friend Willie Nielson, became the first two Westmont students to graduate with teaching credentials. In addition, Anna received the Leland award as the outstanding graduate entering a lay profession.

Anna’s parents moved to Nyssa, Oregon and while visiting her parents in 1952, she was offered a teaching position at the Nyssa elementary school. In 1953, Anna met the future love of her life, Keith Herrman, who was a young farmer in the area. After meeting Keith, Anna decided to stay in the Nyssa area and taught in the elementary grades in Nyssa through the 1957-58 school year. Keith and Anna were married on August 17, 1957 and moved to the Connell area as newlyweds to begin the exciting and arduous project of starting a new farm in Block 18 of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, where they both resided until their deaths. Anna taught at the Mesa Elementary School in 1958-59 prior to the birth of her first child, and was a substitute teacher throughout the 1960’s and 70’s while raising her three children.

Anna would tell you that her proudest accomplishment was to be a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Connell, and to be one of the families that remained active in the church throughout the years. Anna loved children and helped to bring Awana, Children’s Church and a thriving library to First Baptist. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Children’s Church Leader, Librarian, Historian, Secretary, Treasurer, Custodian, Music Leader and in many other capacities.

Music played a significant part in the Bauman family and this love of music carried through Anna’s entire life. Anna enjoyed singing and represented Westmont College in their women’s trio. She also regularly sang and played her autoharp at Connell First Baptist and other area churches and women’s events. Most every Christmas Eve would find Anna and her extended family singing carols and hymns.

Anna was an accomplished artist and her art was featured at several regional galleries. Several of her designs were published and her art was available at several area arts & crafts shows. Anna also inspired others through her popular decorative art painting classes, which she taught for many years. Anna completed numerous commissioned works and her art can be found in many homes in the area. Although Anna started out in oil and watercolor, she produced the majority of her decorative art pieces in the acrylic medium on wood.

Anna was many things, but most of all, she was a child of God who had trusted in Jesus Christ as her savior for most of her life. This abiding belief was apparent in all she did. She was curious about everything, never wanting to stop learning, doing, and seeing. She and Keith travelled much of the US and many other countries, fulfilling Anna’s desire to explore God’s creation.

Keith and Anna were a good team and did many significant things together – they raised three children, and they were active in their community organizations, including the Franklin County Farm Bureau and the Flying Farmers. Anna was a Den Mother, a Girl Scout Leader, a P.T.A. member, and served as Precinct Committee Woman for the Republican Party. Anna was also a member of P.E.O. since 1985 and served as President from 1998 to 2000.

Anna had the gift of hospitality and was known for gathering people together for different events and any excuse for a party. Many people enjoyed a meal at her table or a fine cup of tea in her home.

Anna served for 18 years on the Board of Trustees of Corban University (formerly Western Baptist College) and was one of the first two women who were invited onto the board. Anna and Keith encouraged young people to seek out a Bible based higher education by establishing scholarships and grants for students.

Anna is survived by her children: Paul (Cynthia) Herrman of Mesa, Washington; Robin Herrman of Connell, Washington; Heidi (James) Matsumura of Cashmere, Washington; her brother Larry (Lorraine) Bauman of Connell, WA; her five Grandchildren, Jason (Asa) Herrman, Sarah Herrman, Jenna Herrman, Brian Matsumura and Keith Matsumura; her loving caregivers, Kerri Malbeck, Leticia Marroquin, and Neta Taimani; and numerous nieces & nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Cochran, her parents, and husband, Keith.

On Saturday, October 26th, a Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church at 1:00 PM, 664 North Columbia Avenue in Connell. A meal will follow the conclusion of the service at the church. Please plan on staying to share memories of Anna and to be among friends and family.

Stevens Funeral Home has set up a website with an online guest book: www.tinyurl.com/AnnaHerrman

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the following two memorials:

Building Fund @ First Baptist Church of Connell

Mailing address: First Baptist Church

PO Box 68

Connell, WA 99326

509-234-2131

Herrman Family Grant @ Corban University (formally Western Baptist College)

Mailing address Corban University

Advancement Office

5000 Deer Park Dr SE

Salem, OR 97317

503-589-8186 (Contact Person – Darrel White)