Mary Ann Hernandez

Mary Ann Hernandez, 70, of Billings, MO (formerly of Mountain Home, AR), passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2026, surrounded by the people who were her whole world. Born Mary Ann Kassner on February 25th, 1956, in Elmhurst, Illinois, she lived a life defined not by grand gestures but by something far more lasting: an enormous, unconditional love for her family, her animals, and anyone lucky enough to call her a friend.

She retired after a career as a pharmacy technician, but the work she was most proud of was the family she and her husband Pete built together. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy and her favorite subject. She was the kind of mother and grandmother who would do absolutely anything for her kids, and she meant anything. Those who knew her will not soon forget the year she dressed as the Easter Bunny for the grandchildren, throwing herself into the role with the wholehearted commitment that was pure Mary Ann. She had a gift for not taking herself too seriously, and she could both dish out a joke and take one with equal grace.

Mary Ann loved the simple, good things in life. She tended her flower garden with quiet pride, packed up the RV for camping and fishing trips, and held strong opinions about two things in particular: that ice cream is always a good idea, and that a really good pulled pork sandwich is one of life's finest pleasures. She had no use for fuss or pretense. What she had use for was her dogs, her people, her plants, and being exactly where she was.

She is survived by her beloved husband Pete; her sons Mario (Brandy), Dominic (Alyson), and Jeffery (Desiree); her daughter Jill; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her brother Dale Kassner (Silvia); and a circle of friends too wide to count. She was preceded in death by her father Floyd Kassner, her mother Stella Kassner, and her brother Arthur Kassner.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 25th, 2026 @ 1pm, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her name, because Mary Ann always had a soft spot for children, especially the ones who needed someone in their corner.