Yerington NV – January 23, 2026
George Wesley ‘Wes’ Herbst passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Renown Medical Center in Reno. He was 69.
Wes was born in Yerington on June 30, 1956 the son of George L. and Joy (Curd) Herbst. He graduated from Yerington High School where he excelled in academics and athletics. He married Monique Shipley in Yerington at the First Baptist Church
He is survived by his wife, Monique and his two sons, Wyatt and Cody.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Valley View Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road Yerington. Following the graveside service a gathering will be held at the Wagon Wheel Saloon, 16 Hwy 208 Yerington. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Reno in February (time and date will be announced) Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net. Donations may be made to Herbst Family to help ease the burden during this very difficult time. Donations may be sent to The Herbst Family, c/o Wyatt Herbst, 10860 Pebble Hill Drive Reno, Nevada 89521
Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Ruprach Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447 (775) 463-2911
The Herbst family will be having a graveside burial for Wes on Friday the 30th of January, 2026 at the Valley View cemetery in Yerington (Under the “Y”) at 2:00 pm. There will be a tentative gathering afterwards at the Wagon Wheel on Main Street.
A Celebration of Life for Wes will occur some time in February and will be held in Reno.
From Monique: “I do want people to know that this Friday is just a grave site burial and gathering at the Wagon Wheel and not to feel obligated to have to come. We have a lot of older friends in Yerington and didn’t want them to have to travel to Reno if they didn’t want to travel. His celebration of life will be on a larger scale in Reno sometime in February where we would love everyone to come and share memories, stories and pictures drink some margaritas and just celebrate his life.”
Wes and Monique (Shipley) Herbst were a big presence in the community as they both excelled in athletics and academics before graduating from Yerington High School. Many childhood friends and those whom Wes later impacted, grieve at the loss of Wes.
From Wes’ son Wyatt Herbst: We are raising funds to support my mom, Monique Herbst, after the unexpected passing of my dad, Wes Herbst. Wes tragically lost his life due to a blood clot during surgery, and our family is still trying to process this sudden and heartbreaking loss.
This year, my parents were preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary—a lifetime of love, partnership, and shared memories. Losing my dad so unexpectedly has left an unimaginable void.
Wes was an incredibly inspirational man who touched countless lives. As a coach, athlete, father, and husband, he led by example—showing strength, integrity, humility, and compassion. He was a true example of what it means to be a man, and his impact will live on through everyone he coached, mentored, and loved.
My mom is now facing profound grief along with the emotional and financial challenges that come with losing her husband of nearly 50 years. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the burden during this incredibly difficult time and allow her the space to grieve and heal.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, prayers, and support. It truly means more than words can express.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-wes-herbsts-legacy-and-supporting-monique
From the March 7, 1980 edition of the Mason Valley News:
July 27, 1979 in the Mason Valley News:
From September 29, 1979 Edition of the Mason Valley News:
Where there is deep grief, there was great love.
More Stories
Mercury from historic gold mining still affects Carson River watershed and waterfowl
YES Educator Lissa Kellogg awarded LCSD Recognition Coin
Election 2026: Mario Walther Announces Candidacy for Lyon County District Attorney