Eva Jean Locher Hardesty

Eva Jean Locher Hardesty, 94, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Heartford House, surrounded by compassionate care from Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. Born September 3, 1931, in Daviess County, Eva was a cherished daughter of Emil and Nancy Basham Locher.

A proud graduate of Daviess County High School, Eva embraced her faith as a devoted and longtime member of Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Her life was marked by steadfast dedication and compassion as a homemaker and caretaker of her eight beloved children. Eva’s home was a place of warmth, and she nurtured the bonds of family with devotion and kindness.

Eva was a passionate and avid reader, always eager to explore new stories and ideas. She found joy and fellowship playing Bunco with friends and treasured the laughter they shared. Often, she could be found in her garden tending to her flowers or feeding the birds, delighting in the simple beauty of the outdoors. Her skilled hands produced beautiful sewn works; Eva will be remembered for her seamstress talents and many creative crafts that brightened the lives of those around her.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Joseph Hardesty; her sons Kent, Charles, and Neil Hardesty; and ten of her siblings, whose memories she always held dear.

Eva’s legacy continues through her loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Jeeney Antenucci and her husband, Mike, of Cincinnati, OH; Judy Harder and her husband, Walter, of Lexington, KY; and Jackie Foster and her husband, Kelly, of Versailles, KY. She also leaves behind two sons, Byron Hardesty of Atlanta, GA and Bill Hardesty and his wife, Sarah, of Louisville; seventeen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren will carry forth her spirit; as will her only surviving sibling, Rose Gillim.

A graveside service was held to honor Eva’s life at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Resurrection Cemetery, with Father Tony Jones officiating.

Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Blessed Mother Catholic Church Building Fund 601 East 23rd Street Owensboro, KY 42303 and the Heartford House c/o Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky 3419 Wathen’s Crossing Owensboro, KY 42301. Memories and condolences may be left for the family of Eva Jean Hardesty at www.glennfuneralhome.com.