Joan Elaine Salyers

Joan Elaine Salyers (nee Sleppy), 95, passed away on Feb. 6, 2026, in Bismarck, ND. Born on March 3, 1930, in New Kensington, she lived most of her years in her beloved Springdale, with her last several years with family in North Dakota. Joan lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to God, her family, and community. Joan began her professional journey humbly in the ticket booth at the Temple Theater. Her career soon took a significant turn when she joined Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator. With skill and a servant mindset, she advanced through the ranks of the telecommunications industry, ultimately supervising the communication department at J&L Steel and later LTV Steel. Her work ethic and leadership left a lasting impression on those she worked with. After retiring from LTV Steel, Joan embraced what she considered her most cherished role serving as secretary for Springdale United Presbyterian Church. A lifelong member of the congregation, Joan's faith in Jesus was not only central to her life, but also evident in every interaction. Her church community was an extension of her family, and she found great joy in serving, especially as an elder, secretary, deacon, and choir member. Joan's love for music was a thread woven throughout her life and passed down to her son and granddaughters. From her high school days and well into her 80s, she played trumpet and marched in the Fireman's community band and sang joyfully in the church choir. She also found peace and purpose in gardening, Bible study, and scrap-booking activities that reflected both her creativity and contemplative spirit. She is survived by her sons, Edward P., David C. (Kim), and Daniel A. (Meghan). Her legacy continues through her granddaughters, Madeline E. (Blake) Anderson and Abigail E. Salyers. Joan was preceded in death by her father, Porter G. Sleppy, and mother, Essie I. Daubner. Those who knew Joan remember her as an always kind woman of great faith quick with a smile and generous with love. She treated her family as treasures and strangers like family. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and she will stay within the hearts of her friends and family, always serving as a model for all to emulate. May her memory bring comfort to all who were blessed to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on April 6, 2026, at Springdale United Presbyterian Church, 859 Pittsburgh St., with a light lunch reception following. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to her Springdale United Presbyterian Church or Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center of Bismarck, ND.