Theresa Pascal Fender

Theresa Pascal Fender, age 60, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas, after a courageous 3.5-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Theresa was born on March 14, 1965, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to Raymond and Mary Henning Baltz. She spent all of her pre-college years at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where she was actively involved in school, church, and athletics. She was a decorated track and basketball athlete and graduated from high school in 1983. She later attended the University of Arkansas, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising, and was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Little Sisters.
On May 14, 1988, she wed her high school sweetheart, David Fender, in Pocahontas. A bond marked by mutual respect, deep friendship, and the strength that comes from walking through life hand in hand. Theresa's early career years were spent in retail management and pharmaceutical sales in Memphis and Atlanta. In 2005, she and David returned to Fayetteville, where they became entrepreneurs in the retail and real estate development space.
Theresa was the heart of her family - a high-spirited beauty and the CEO of the home. With grace and devotion, she dedicated herself to raising her daughters and nurturing a home where love and order flourished. She was a gifted Southern cook, cherished for her beloved cheese dip. Her happiest moments were by the water at sunset, playing with her grandchildren, and traveling to new places with her loved ones by her side. Her faith was a steady presence in her life, and she was a member of Central United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mary Baltz; her brother, Bub Baltz; her sister, Rosanna Smith; her father-in-law, David V. Fender; and her brother-in-law, Brian Fender.
Theresa is survived by her beloved husband, David Fender, with whom she shared 46 years including 37 years of marriage; daughters, Hannah O'Donnell and her husband Tyler of Fayetteville, and Ashton Fender of New York City; grandchildren, Eli and Heidi O'Donnell; siblings, Becky Baltz, Melinda Davis, Marvin Baltz, Diana Gregory, and Amanda Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service, followed by a Reception, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 26th, at Stone Chapel, 2228 W. Bowen Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703.
To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor are appreciated and may be directed to:The Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN - Pancreatic Cancer Research - Dr. Mark Truty.
Arrangements are under the care of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.