Jo Ann Hier

The heart and soul of our family, Jo Ann Hier, passed away December 1st, 2025. Our mother, wife, sister, grandmother, grammie and friend, went to be with the lord.

Jo was born December 6, 1937, in California, Missouri, to Henry and Queen Markworth, the second born after a son and was the first of three daughters. At an early age, the family moved to the state of Washington. There, she graduated from Puyallup High School.

Along with her family, they moved to Palmdale, California where within a year or so, Jo met and married Edward “Ron” Hier in 1958. They started a family in Venice, California. Through the years, they lived in the San Fernando Valley, La Habra and Whittier, California. Having immensely enjoyed visiting the Central Coast for many years, nearly 20 years ago, they moved to Paso Robles.

Jo worked for the Rand Corporation, Ampex, Dataproducts (as a supervisor) and LM Scofield. Known for her incredible work ethic and yet happy demeanor, she was much beloved by coworkers, friends and family. If you ever knew Jo, you were likely to get a hug. In her “retirement” years, she helped edit for her son, Daryle, while he wrote for Yahoo Sports. Jo also was of significant help with the family’s Paso Wine Barrel business.

Jo is survived by her husband of 67 years Ron Hier, son Daryle Hier, daughter Melinda Hier-Goetz, grandsons Joseph Hier-Goetz and Max Hier-Goetz, brother Fred Markworth and sister Jane Shryock.

A gathering for her memorial celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.