Jo Ann Richards Vessels

Jo Ann Richards Vessels, 90, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on February 13, 2025. She was born on August 8, 1934, in Reed, Kentucky, to the late Sylvester and Sarah (Hagan) Richards. A devout Catholic, Jo Ann was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic and Immaculate Catholic Church in Owensboro. She was actively involved in the Eucharistic Adoration ministry and served as President of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers Altar Society at Immaculate Parish in 1968. She was also a dedicated choir member for many years. Passionate about her faith, Jo Ann was a proud member of Right to Life of Owensboro, making numerous trips to Washington, D.C., to march for the pro-life cause, a mission dear to her heart. 

Jo Ann found joy in playing tennis, golf, and bridge, and she was known for cooking special birthday dinners for her children and grandchildren, who adored her. She also loved creating beautiful music by playing the piano and enjoyed the time she spent in her rose garden. Jo Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Vessels; her parents, Sylvester and Sarah Richards; her brothers, Eddie Lee Richards and Bob Richards; and her sister, Mary Frances Yurt.

She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Robert Vessels, and their seven children, Tim (Valeria) Vessels, Sylvia (Scott) Luttrell, Debbie (Bob) Zuerner, Steve Vessels, Tricia (Mike) West, Tom (Cathy) Vessels. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her 18 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and brother, George Richards.

Jo Ann was a proud graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, Class of 1952. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert, with whom she built a beautiful life filled with faith, family, and cherished memories.

The Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 21 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday with prayers beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday, at the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Her kindness, devotion, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the staff at The Heartford House and their compassion, dedication, and exceptional care they provided to Jo Ann during her time with them.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Right to Life of Owensboro and The Heartford House.

Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.glenncares.com