Jo Ann Hess Berend, 85 of Muenster, Texas, formerly of Friona passed away August 3, 2026 in Muenster. Viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday August 7, 2026 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with a Rosary Service Scheduled for 6:00 PM at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2026 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church with Father Nick Gerber as Celebrant. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Jo Ann was born on April 23, 1941 in Muenster Texas to Edward and Lucy (Fuhrmann) Hess. She was the second child and the oldest daughter. Being the oldest girl, she helped her mother with household chores, especially cooking. She continued cooking and baking her whole life and her children and grandchildren all agreed she was the best.

Jo Ann was raised in Muenster Texas and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School all twelve years of her education. While at Sacred Heart, she was a cheerleader, was elected Football Sweetheart and was Homecoming Queen. Jo Ann continued to love her school and was so proud that three of her grandchildren graduated from Sacred Heart.

Jo Ann met LeRoy Berend and they married on August 4, 1962 in Muenster Texas at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They immediately moved to the panhandle where LeRoy was helping his father and uncle build feedyards and farm. She and LeRoy were blessed with a son Roddy and a daughter Dana. When their children were young, they moved to a farm in Friona where they lived until LeRoy’s death in 2014. JoAnn would often talk about taking her two babies on the tractor with her. She enjoyed sewing for her family and was a talented artist.

Jo Ann was a long time member of St. Teresa’s Ladies Society. She took great pride in decorating for the church holidays and made many of the banners that are still being used today. Jo Ann also made the church’s Easter candle several years. She cherished the times she and her St. Teresa’s friends prepared and served food at many of the church dinners.

Jo Ann moved back to Muenster in 2019 to be near her daughter and youngest grandchildren. It also allowed her to be near her brothers and sisters and cousins. She hosted large family gatherings in her home during the holidays. Her family is grateful for these memories.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband LeRoy, her daughter Dana, sister Marilyn, and her brothers Richard and Keith.

She is survived by her son Roddy and Sandra Berend, son-in–law Bryan Campbell, grandchildren Brittany Berend, Jason and Haley Berend, Brandon Berend, Jake Campbell, Emily and Cooper Harris, Gage Campbell. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Bennett Berend, Bryce Berend, Beau Berend, and in September 2026 Stetson Harris. Also by siblings Carol Henscheid, Evelyn and Paul Evans, Lee Roy and Colleen Hess, and Terry and Sharon Hess.

In lieu of flowers, Jo Ann had requested donations to the St. Teresa’s Catholic Church of Friona Building Fund.

You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com