Jo Anne Herrick, a beloved and devoted resident of Glendale, Arizona, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on August 21, 1935, Jo Anne was a faithful member of her community and was cherished by all who knew her.
An Arizona native, Jo Anne graduated from Winslow High School in 1953. During her youth, she was involved with The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) and worked as a Harvey Girl. Jo Anne grew up alongside her lifelong friend Carole, with whom she shared many adventures. Together, they attended Arizona State College, now known as Arizona State University.
Jo Anne met her husband, Bob Herrick, at Arizona State College in 1954 under charming circumstances. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage and the birth of their first daughter, Linda, in 1955. The couple experienced life at Fort Benning in Georgia due to Bob's Army service before returning to Arizona, where they settled in Maryvale after living in Tempe and Buckeye. They welcomed their second daughter, Dorothy, into their lives while living in Tempe. Jo Anne was a loving mother who sewed clothes and Halloween costumes for her daughters, co-led Linda's Girl Scout Troop, and served as the homeroom mom for Dorothy's classroom.
As a grandmother, Jo Anne was affectionately known as Gram to her granddaughter Tabitha, whom she adored and spoiled with love and delicious food, including her famous Gram's Mac & Cheese. Jo Anne delighted in creating special memories with Tabitha, such as hiding small toys and notes in a bear called "Secret Bear." Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Payson, Kinley, Ember, and Cole, whom she cherished deeply.
Jo Anne had a passion for reading, particularly mystery novels, and enjoyed doing puzzles. She and Bob loved to travel, exploring destinations accessible by train, as well as visiting Hawaii and Europe. Jo Anne was a member of the Small World Miniatures Club and enjoyed cross-stitching.
Her community involvement included being a member of the church choir at Concordia Lutheran Church. After Concordia closed, she transferred to St. John's Lutheran Church, where she remained a devoted member until her passing.
Jo Anne is survived by her daughters, Linda Jo Herrick and Dorothy Little, her granddaughter Tabitha Reinhard (Chris Reinhard), and her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Herrick, her parents, Madge and Owen Green, and her brother, Ronnie Green. Jo Anne is also survived by many more friends and family than could be named. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
A Funeral Service for Jo Anne will take place on August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church 7205 N 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301. A Fellowship Reception will be held immediately after.
