Marla R. Herbst

Marla R. Herbst, 60, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, March 11, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born November 18, 1961 in Columbia City, she was the daughter Donald W. and Betty C. (Myers) Bratt.

Growing up in rural Whitley County, Marla enjoyed time spent outdoors with her horse and family dog. She also enjoyed camping, dancing at the Eagles, going to the skating rink, and was involved with doing Pom-poms at school. Marla began her work career at a young age by working concessions at Happy Valley Skating Rink and a nurse's aid at Alfran Nursing Home when she was 16. Over the years she worked at various jobs including Dana Weatherhead, Precision Plastics, Warner Electric and currently at Kilgore Manufacturing. Marla also had worked at Big G's, Burger Chef, Hardee's, and had owned Myrt's Lunch Box.

In the spring of 1985, Marla's life forever changed one afternoon. Lance Herbst and a friend were out riding motorcycles together and stopped at The Hallway for a bite to eat.  As fate would have it, after Lance walked out, he turned back in and introduced himself to Marla.  A few years later on October 29, 1988, the two were married and created a great life together. Spending time with her family meant a lot to Marla as did being on the back of Lance's motorcycle. Marla had a great sense of humor and was known for her teasing, playing pranks, and goofing around. She just wanted everyone to have fun.  Another favorite for Marla was gambling for her entertainment either playing the weekly lottery with Lance or going to casinos with family to play the slots.

Marla is survived by her loving husband, Lance Herbst; the pride and enjoy of her life, daughter and son-in-law, Brandy and Josh Kreft; grandchildren, Jaden and Jentzen; great-grandchildren, Fynn and Juniper; nieces and nephews Brandon (Melissa) Bishop, Lisa (Nick) Ostrowski, Kayla Bishop, Michael Bratt; several great-nieces and great-nephews; brother-in-law, Phil (Erika) Wolfe; and brother, Tony (Barb) Bratt. Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved dog, Tuff Schmidt; mother-in-law, Rosie Wolfe; and brother-in-law, Jim Herbst.

Visitation will be 2 to 6:15 pm Friday, March 18, 2022 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Her funeral service will begin at 6:30 pm with Pastor Jesse Eisenhour officiating. With a love for animals, memorial donations may be given in memory to the Humane Society for Whitley County. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Marla's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.