Mary Elizabeth Herchberger

Mary Elizabeth Herchberger, 91, of Menifee, California, passed away on November 9, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1934, in Glendale, California. Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 1956, beginning a nursing career that would span 40 years. Her work reflected the compassion and steady competence that defined her throughout her life.

After retiring, she settled in Banning, California, where she devoted herself to volunteering wherever she was needed. She tutored at the local elementary school for many years and gave her time to the Sun Lakes Country Club Library, the Garden Club, POE, Beta Sigma Phi, and the local hospice. Mary was a friend to so many and beloved by everyone who knew her. She carried a quiet strength, and as her family will gladly tell you, she told you what you wanted to hear and then did whatever she wanted to do.

She was a passionate reader, a wonderful knitter and seamstress, and an amazing baker. She also treasured the time she spent traveling with family and friends. Faith was at the center of Mary's life. She was an active member of Beaumont Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, California, for many years, where she served the congregation as a volunteer and drew strength from her fellowship there. Her family takes comfort in knowing she has gone home to be with the Lord. Mary is survived by her sons, Keith Herchberger and David Herchberger; her daughter, Joan Yapp; five granddaughters; six great-granddaughters; and four great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Kelly Herchberger, who passed away in 1997, and by her second husband, Don Ruygrok, whom she married in 2003 and who passed away in 2023.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Beaumont Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, California. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. The family will host a reception at the Canyon Lake Country Club following the burial service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association would be welcomed.