JOAN STEFFEN

Joan Steffen passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Fresno, CA. She was born in Fresno on February 25, 1932, to Carthyl and Gurtha Thomas. The family lived on their Dos Palos farm until Joan finished the eighth grade. The following day, they moved to the family home in Kerman, CA. Upon arriving in Kerman, Gurtha took Joan, and brother, Sherman, to the Kerman Methodist Church so they could meet other children before school started. While attending Kerman Union High School, Joan met her future husband, Stanley Steffen. On December 26, 1951, Joan and Stan eloped to Reno, NV. They had three children, Leslie Ann, Denise Lynn, and Thomas Edward, who were raised on the family farm in the Rolinda area. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Stan; parents, Carthyl and Gurtha; younger brother Sherman; and son-in-law, Jim Curtis. She is survived by her children, Leslie Steffen of Visalia, CA, Denise Curtis of Fresno, and Tom Steffen and his wife Susie of Fresno. She adored her grandchildren, Jared Curtis and wife Dena, Bradey Curtis, Holly Steffen, Scott Steffen, and Dano Steffen. She was blessed with two great-granddaughters, Abby and Ella Curtis. She is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry Steffen, Darlene Banducci, Carolyn and Robert Huber, and Dodie Thomas Mon Pere; numerous cousins; nieces; nephews; and Louise Peterson, who Joan considered her sister. The family wants to thank Francisco Ibal for his more than 30 years of loyal service on the Steffen Farm. Joan especially enjoyed her visits with Dr. Sam Oh; and the monthly Kerman High School, Class of 1949 luncheons. Joan will also be missed by Tom's three dogs, who greeted her every morning at her home to get their cookies. A Memorial Service will be held at Kerman United Methodist Church, 3095 N. Madera Ave., Kerman, CA 93630, on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S. Cornelia, Fresno, CA 93701, on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Donations in Joan's name may be made to the Kerman United Methodist Church; or Hinds Hospice, 2490 W. Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93711. Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 'L' Street, Fresno, California (559)266-0666