Heather Shepherd
Lead Funeral Director Intern
Born and raised in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Heather made the heartfelt decision to move to the Tri-Cities to be closer to her parents and brother, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life in 2013.
Heather was homeschooled, followed by her pursuit of a general AA degree at Columbia Basin College. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for helping others led her to set her sights on completing her BA and MA in psychology, with a focus on counseling. Additionally, Heather is on a path to obtain her funeral director license, a testament to her commitment to serving others in their most vulnerable moments.
Inspired by her mother's work with individuals with developmental disabilities and her grandmother's role as a CNA in a nursing home, Heather embarked on a career as an in-home care aid. Despite facing challenges early on, she found her calling in caring for others, drawing strength from a promise she made to treat every individual under her care with the same love and compassion she would show her own family.
Over the course of 20 years, Heather's career as a caregiver has been defined by her unwavering kindness, dignity, and compassion. She found particular fulfillment in her work with Hospice clients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of end-of-life care with grace and empathy.
Outside of her professional life, Heather finds joy in her craft hobbies, including working with resin, crocheting, polymer clay, and restoring old furniture. She and her husband enjoy their adventures with their two dogs and two cats. She takes pride in caring for her 7-year-old Colombian Redtail boa, as well.
Heather believes in the power of compassion and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. Her journey is a reminder that in caring for others, we find our truest selves and leave a lasting legacy of love and kindness.
Heather Shepherd
Lead Funeral Director Intern
Born and raised in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Heather made the heartfelt decision to move to the Tri-Cities to be closer to her parents and brother, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life in 2013.
Heather was homeschooled, followed by her pursuit of a general AA degree at Columbia Basin College. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for helping others led her to set her sights on completing her BA and MA in psychology, with a focus on counseling. Additionally, Heather is on a path to obtain her funeral director license, a testament to her commitment to serving others in their most vulnerable moments.
Inspired by her mother's work with individuals with developmental disabilities and her grandmother's role as a CNA in a nursing home, Heather embarked on a career as an in-home care aid. Despite facing challenges early on, she found her calling in caring for others, drawing strength from a promise she made to treat every individual under her care with the same love and compassion she would show her own family.
Over the course of 20 years, Heather's career as a caregiver has been defined by her unwavering kindness, dignity, and compassion. She found particular fulfillment in her work with Hospice clients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of end-of-life care with grace and empathy.
Outside of her professional life, Heather finds joy in her craft hobbies, including working with resin, crocheting, polymer clay, and restoring old furniture. She and her husband enjoy their adventures with their two dogs and two cats. She takes pride in caring for her 7-year-old Colombian Redtail boa, as well.
Heather believes in the power of compassion and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. Her journey is a reminder that in caring for others, we find our truest selves and leave a lasting legacy of love and kindness.
Holley Sowards
Director of Funeral Operations Licensed Funeral Director
Holley was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. She attended Washington State University (WSU) in Vancouver receiving her Bachelor’s with specific emphasis in management, operations, human resources, and finance. She is also a Graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities Class XVIII. Holley grew up in a family with an entrepreneurial mindset which has helped her to understand the importance of customer service. It’s also helped her look for innovative ways to enhance the overall experience families have when they come to any of the Sunset Gardens Group of Companies!
With over 22 years of customer service experience, Holley is passionate about helping people and is always looking for ways to serve her community. She and her husband founded a non-profit called Fallen Rider Fund. Its mission is to promote road safety, unite the community, and aid families of fallen/injured riders. It has since been passed down to a group of dedicated community members so they can take it to the next level. She has volunteered for many service organizations over the years and one of her favorites was helping with the Beggars Banquet soup competition that supported Safe Harbor/My Friends Place. Holley served 8 years on the Washington, Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Board of Directors and is now a Past President.
She has been leading the team at Einan's for over 10 years now and recognizes that she has found her purpose in life! Guiding families in the community through grief, creating an environment of healing, and making sure every family has a unique experience is what she is most passionate about! It's the hardest, yet most rewarding job she has ever had. Knowing that you have helped someone on their toughest days, makes all the hard work worth it!
Holley Sowards
Director of Funeral Operations Licensed Funeral Director
Holley was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. She attended Washington State University (WSU) in Vancouver receiving her Bachelor’s with specific emphasis in management, operations, human resources, and finance. She is also a Graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities Class XVIII. Holley grew up in a family with an entrepreneurial mindset which has helped her to understand the importance of customer service. It’s also helped her look for innovative ways to enhance the overall experience families have when they come to any of the Sunset Gardens Group of Companies!
With over 22 years of customer service experience, Holley is passionate about helping people and is always looking for ways to serve her community. She and her husband founded a non-profit called Fallen Rider Fund. Its mission is to promote road safety, unite the community, and aid families of fallen/injured riders. It has since been passed down to a group of dedicated community members so they can take it to the next level. She has volunteered for many service organizations over the years and one of her favorites was helping with the Beggars Banquet soup competition that supported Safe Harbor/My Friends Place. Holley served 8 years on the Washington, Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Board of Directors and is now a Past President.
She has been leading the team at Einan's for over 10 years now and recognizes that she has found her purpose in life! Guiding families in the community through grief, creating an environment of healing, and making sure every family has a unique experience is what she is most passionate about! It's the hardest, yet most rewarding job she has ever had. Knowing that you have helped someone on their toughest days, makes all the hard work worth it!
