Ann Louise Herron

Ann Louise (Johnson-Simmons) Herron, age 66, passed away on July 8, 2026, in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Born on April 7, 1960, in Billings, Montana, Ann was the cherished daughter of Dr. Carl and Joan (Miller) Johnson. She grew up in Cut Bank, Montana surrounded by a large, loving family and went on to share her incredible gift for music with generations of students, after earning a BA in Music from Montana State University. After teaching in several locations across Montana and Wyoming, Ann made her home in Gooding, Idaho, where she served as a dedicated music teacher at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. She had many dear friends in Gooding, sharing family experiences and closeness. In 2015, she relocated to Spokane Valley, Washington, to be near family and continue her lifelong passion for education by teaching music in Coeur d'Alene, Liberty Lake, and Spokane.

Ann’s life was defined by her love of music, her dedication to her students, and the deep devotion she had for her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who brought warmth, melody, and care to everyone around her.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Herron, of Spokane Valley, WA; her mother, Joan (Miller) Johnson; and her sons, Lance Simmons, Nick Simmons, and Eric Gaston. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Craig Herron of Bellingham, WA, and Kate (Billy) Shearer of Tacoma, WA.

Ann leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Zander, Eli, and Ben Gaston; as well as her step-grandchildren Emmett, Zofie, and Reese Shearer of Tacoma, Washington.

She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Roberta (Johnson) Washington of Spokane Valley, WA, Kurt (Candy) Johnson of Havre, MT, Gregg (Michele) Johnson of Fairgrove, MO, and Kristine (Kevin) Russell of Spokane Valley, WA; and survived by numerous extended family members in the state of Minnesota and all across the U.S.

Ann was reunited in death with her beloved son, Reed; her father, Dr. Carl Johnson; her grandparents, Carl and Elvera Johnson of Eveleth, MN, and Albin and Irene Miller of Roseau, MN; her brother-in-law, Mick Washington of Fremont, CA; and her aunts and uncles, Emilie and Quentin Grittner, David Farr, Beatrice Marinaro, John Casper, James Hatten, Frank Marinaro, and Bill Johnson.

Memorial services are currently pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann's memory to the Inland Empire Orff Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA), which hosts local educator workshops and clinician events at regional locations.