Jody Lynn Herron, 40

Jody Lynn Herron passed away at the age of 40 from a hemorrhagic stroke Jan. 7, 2009, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

Jody Lynn Daley was born in Kalispell in 1968 to Ken and Myrni Daley. Jody grew up in Somers with her parents and her brother, Rob Daley. As a child she loved fishing, her kittens and socializing with her many friends. In high school she was an active part of the speech and debate team and loved acting, learning foreign languages and reading. Jody graduated from Flathead High School in 1986.

Jody married Chris Herron in Kalispell in 1988. After the birth of their first two sons, Dalton and Austin, they moved to Spokane, and welcomed their third son, Colton. Jody loved watching and helping her boys learn and grow, and dedicated her life to them. She was very involved in volunteering at school and attending every sporting event they participated in. She was considered, "THE soccer mom."

In addition to caring for her family, Jody loved her work. At the time of her death she was employed at CityServiceValcon in Greenacres, Wash. She was a true "people person" and loved interacting with customers. People were drawn to her bubbly personality, and both friends and co-workers describe her as "the happiest person I know."

Jody also loved camping, cooking, reading, nature walks and spending time with her friends and family. She created many family memories during trips up the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. She would request the "camp kitchen" to always have a beautiful view of the river. She enjoyed reading aloud to her kids and cooking creative dishes at family gatherings.

Jody is survived by her husband, Chris Herron, and her sons, Dalton, Austin and Colton; and by her parents, Ken and Myrni Daley, and her brother, Rob Daley.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 South Pines Road, Spokane Valley, Wash. A reception will be afterward.

Contributions for her sons' college educations can be made to The Jody Herron Fund at Washington Trust Bank, 1427 N. Liberty Lake Road, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.

Charitable donations can be made to the Spokane Valley Jr. Soccer Association, 12505 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99216.

Jody was eternally optimistic, "a firecracker," bubbly, dedicated, generous, and loving. She will be greatly missed.