Obituaries

Rae Sharon Herbst lost her battle with cancer on March 26, 2026 at the age of 82.

She was married to the late Leroy Herbst of Williamsburg, Ohio for 25 years. She leaves behind her beloved partner and devoted caretaker, Jerome Lerner of Louisville, Kentucky.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Fayne Stetler, brother in law, Dan Smith, and step-son Eddie Herbst.

She is survived by her step-children, Theresa Herbst, Nancy (Scott McNairy, MD) Herbst, Lee Anne (Jay) Finke, grandchildren, Ellie and Joe McNairy, numerous nieces and nephews, her best friend for over 70 years, Peggy L. Chandler, and Jerome’s daughter and granddaughter, Michele and Sydney Meyers.

Rae taught English for 30 years in various schools in the area. After retirement, she volunteered as a CASA for Pro Kids and as a Program Chair for the Northern Kentucky African American Heritage Task Force. She dearly loved her pet dogs and deeply mourned their loss.

Rae enjoyed the theatre, concerts, ballets, and reading.

Memorials can be sent to the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) at 85 Lucy Run Road, Amelia, Ohio 45102.

Rae’s cremated remains will be buried with her family at Highland Cemetery. A graveside service will be held at Highland on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends are asked to meet at the 2nd cemetery entrance upon arrival.