Jo-Ann Taul Slinkard

1929 - 2023

Jo-Ann Taul Slinkard
November 8, 1929 - May 8, 2023
Fresno, California - On May 8, 2023 Jo-Ann Taul Slinkard died peacefully in the company of her family. Jo-Ann was born 11/08/1929 in Fresno California. Her parents Joe and Lenora Taul preceded her in death. She received her education at Jackson Grammar, CALWA Grammar, Roosevelt High School and CSU-Fresno.
During her adult life, she was involved in many volunteer opportunities. She was past president of the Valley Medical Center Advisory Board, Lawyers Wives and the Junior League. She served as Vice Chairman of Fresno's Civic Center Advisory Board, Trustee of the Central California Blood Bank and was the first woman to serve as a Trustee for the Fresno Community Hospital, where she was born when it was known as the Burnett Sanitarium. In 2003, she was honored to become an emeritus member of the hospital. She was also an emeritus member of The Maddy Institute at Fresno State University.
Jo-Ann enjoyed a political career that included volunteering for many political campaigns both Democrat and Republican believing that "electing someone to office who you believe will do the right thing, is our civic responsibility". She ran unsuccessfully for the State Assembly in 1982 but continued her political career as the first woman Chief of Staff of the CA Senate for Sen. Ken Maddy until the Senator termed out in 1998. During her tenure with Sen. Maddy she played a major role in forming what is now the Central Valley Women's Conference that is one of the most successful conferences of its kind.
After living in Sacramento/Lincoln for well over 30 years, she made the decision to return to Fresno and lived very happily at The Terraces, San Joaquin Gardens. She often said, "I have lived such a good and enriched life due to family and friends and a willingness to take risks".
Jo-Ann leaves many longtime friends in addition to her family. Her eldest daughter Lori Ann Rasler is married to Otto of Stevensville, Montana. Youngest daughter Lee Ann Slinkard lives in Sleepy Hollow, New York with her spouse Maria Morris. She leaves her brother Alan Robert Taul and his wife Myrna Bolger-Taul, niece Shanna Haddock and nephew Robert W. Taul. Her one and only grandson, Christopher Joseph Preston resides in Nebraska with his wife Meg and three children, Kaylin, Skylar and Christopher Jr.
No services will be held at Jo-Ann's request. Celebration to follow.
A contribution to your favorite organization in Jo-Ann's honor would be a great tribute to her generosity.