Amanda "Mandy" Herbster

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Amanda “Mandy” Herbster, age 39, of Palm Desert, CA on July 28, 2023.  

Born on October 8, 1983 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Mandy showed great aptitude in athletics and passion for the outdoors from an early age.  While in high school, she was a multi-sport athlete excelling in softball, track, and basketball.  As a talented pitcher in softball, Mandy was heavily recruited and ultimately accepted a softball scholarship to Missouri State.  In 2004, the Missouri Valley Conference honored her achievements as a pitcher. Her deep love for the beauty of nature was reflected in her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Systems Biology, after which she pursued a Doctorate in Plant Science.

Seamlessly translating her experience as an elite athlete and an education in the biology of plant potential, Mandy began studying health, wellness, and vitality for others.  As an athletic trainer, she skillfully coached athletes and senior citizens while developing fitness programs at studios throughout the Coachella Valley.  In 2022 Mandy opened Peak Fitness, where she educated members on the importance of conditioning, agility, strength training, pliability, and a well-rounded mind to unlock their potential and maximize their performance.

Mandy treated her clients, colleagues, friends, and loved ones with kindness, encouragement, interest, generosity, and good humor.  While her passing is an irreplaceable loss, she will be remembered in her community as an enthusiastic and unique trainer, able to encourage each person to push a little harder and be a little better.  As she always said, “you will never regret that extra rep.”  May her memory serve as a reminder to live each day to the fullest with benevolence, gratitude, and humor.  

Mandy is survived by her wife, Laura Quattlebaum, daughter, Cali Gartland, stepchildren, Jordan Quattlebaum and Jacob Quattlebaum, as well as, her mother, Phoebe Herbster and sister, Sami Herbster.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in Mandy’s honor in Sepetember.  Details about this event will be posted on Peak Fitness’ Instagram and Facebook accounts.  Those wishing to share stories, photos or videos of their time with Mandy can email them to CelebrateMandy@gmail.com.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests 

donations be made in Mandy’s honor to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Inland Empire and Desert Cities Chapter at https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2838271.