Nelda May Talley, age 87, gently and peacefully passed into the presence of Jesus on July 31, 2026, surrounded by family.
Nelda was born in Rush Springs, Oklahoma on November 28, 1938, to Hardy Lee and Mildred Beatrice Shotts May. They lived in Oklahoma near many relatives. As an only child for seven years, her dolls were her treasured companions, and she kept them in pristine condition throughout her life. In 1946 her brother Arlen was born.
In April 1948, her father bought a farm near Friona, Texas where they moved and raised vegetables. Nelda attended Friona Schools from 7th to 12th grade and graduated in 1956. Nelda remained endeared to many of her high school friends for her entire lifetime.
In 1954 she began dating Ross Kent Miller, Sr. and they married in 1956. Ross was a farmer and Nelda embraced life as a devoted farm wife. Over the next five years they welcomed three children- Kent, Curt, and Dana. Nelda loved and nurtured her family in the love of God and His Word. The Miller home was built on a foundation of faith in God, and together Ross and Nelda carefully guided the hearts of their children. Nelda was also a very active member of the Sixth Street Church of Christ. She particularly enjoyed the youth activities.
In March 1980, Ross died very suddenly of a heart attack. He was 45 and Nelda was 41. Nelda had a formidable spirit and though her world was shattered, she managed to hold the family close and lead them with an unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness.
With this change in her life, she began working in the business office of D.L.’s Thriftway and eventually became a teller at Friona State Bank for many years. Nelda loved serving in this capacity and made many community friendships.
Seven years after Ross’s death, she fell in love again and married William Stanley Benge. Together, Stan and Nelda found a new season filled with laughter and love. But after only two and a half years of marriage, Stan died from cancer. Once again, Nelda’s world was shattered but her steadfast faith in God carried her through another deep valley.
After another ten years passed, Nelda’s heart was captured by Leon Talley, her preacher and friend. They married on September 3, 1999, and have remained unwaveringly devoted to each other as well as their extended families. They later moved from Friona to Lubbock in 2012. Nelda had lived in Friona for 61 years. In recent years as Nelda’s memory declined, Leon was a valiant and vigilant caregiver. His love for her was as deep as the ocean.
Nelda’s grandchildren were the light of her life. She was an avid follower and supporter of all their activities. She excelled in being a grandma and in all things she loved. She was a phenomenal seamstress and an amazing cook. She also enjoyed reading and playing the piano during seasons of loneliness. Through every season of joy and season of sorrow, her presence, spirit, and example of perseverance and faithfulness were evident. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her so deeply.
Throughout her life Nelda Sharon May Miller Benge Talley cherished every name she wore.
Nelda is survived by her husband, Leon Talley, her sons Kent Miller (Amanda), Curt Miller (Kathi), and her daughter Dana Burton (Kendell), all of Lubbock. She is also survived by Leon’s children, Tracey Talley (Suzy) of Washington, Oklahoma, Troy Talley (Nicole) of Lubbock, and Terron Talley (Tasha) of Joshua, Texas. She is also survived by her brother Arlen May (Linda) of Duncan, Oklahoma, 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Nelda was preceded in death by two husbands, her parents, and an infant brother. Also, in-laws, Roy Sr. and Eva Miller and Alton and Mary Lee Talley.
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Wilshire Place, Brookdale Remington Park and lastly The Isle at Raider Ranch for their excellent care and love given to both Leon and Nelda. Also, a sincere thank you to Leah Peterson of Hospice of the South Plains for her gentle and genuine care as she walked with us through the last months of Nelda’s life. God has tremendously blessed us with all of you!
Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Shallowater Church of Christ. Following the service, the family invites you to join them in the fellowship hall for light refreshments.
Jesus Omar Anaya, Sr. 85 of Canyon, formerly of Bovina passed away July 30, 2026 in Canyon. Viewing will be held from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 4:00 PM Sunday, August 2, 2026 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Jesus was born April 22, 1941 in Valle Hermoso, Mexico to Jesus Maria and Felicitas Resendez Anaya. He later married Rosa Maria Balderrama in 1970. He was a longtime area Parmer County farmer. He loved hunting, raising his chickens and other livestock and animals. His greatest enjoyment was spending almost every weekend with his family and friends with parties and outdoor grilling,
He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 daughter-Rosalba Anaya, 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Those to mourn his passing include his wife- Rosa Anaya of Canyon, 3 daughters- Patricia Tamez and husband Claude, Brenda Reyna and husband Jose, and Magaly Anaya and husband Manuel, all of Amarillo, 1 son-Jesus Omar Anaya Jr. of Canyon, 1 brother-Jose Anaya and wife Juanita of Sinton, Tx., and 1 sister-Guadalupe Anaya of Pasadena, Tx., and 4 grandchildren.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com
Jesús Omar Anaya, Sr., de 85 años, de Canyon, y anteriormente residente en Bovina, falleció el 30 de julio de 2026 en Canyon. El velatorio tendrá lugar de 13:00 a 20:00 horas, y se celebrará un servicio conmemorativo a las 16:00 horas del domingo 2 de agosto de 2026 en la Capilla Conmemorativa Ron Smiley de la funeraria HANSARD FAMILY de Friona.
Jesús nació el 22 de abril de 1941 en Valle Hermoso (México), hijo de Jesús María y Felicitas Reséndez Anaya. Más tarde, en 1970, se casó con Rosa María Balderrama. Fue durante mucho tiempo agricultor en la zona del condado de Parmer. Le encantaba cazar, criar pollos y otro ganado y animales. Su mayor placer era pasar casi todos los fines de semana con su familia y amigos, celebrando fiestas y haciendo barbacoas al aire libre.
Le precedieron en la muerte sus padres, una hija —Rosalba Anaya—, tres hermanos y una hermana.
Entre quienes lloran su fallecimiento se encuentran su esposa, Rosa Anaya, de Canyon; tres hijas —Patricia Tamez y su marido Claude, Brenda Reyna y su marido José, y Magaly Anaya y su marido Manuel, todos de Amarillo; un hijo, Jesús Omar Anaya Jr., de Canyon; un hermano, José Anaya y su esposa Juanita, de Sinton (Texas); una hermana, Guadalupe Anaya, de Pasadena (Texas); y cuatro nietos.
Pueden enviar sus condolencias a la familia y firmar el libro de visitas en línea exclusivamente en: hansardfamily.com
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