Joanne Claralyn Spycher

September 4, 1938 ~ January 15, 2021

Joanne Claralyn Spycher went home to be with her Savior on January 15 in Modesto, CA. She was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1938 and lived there until she was eight years old when she moved to Kingsburg, CA. It was during her three years in the small farming community of Kingsburg that she fell in love with agriculture and the lifestyle that comes with it. Joanne’s junior high schooling was spent in Chicago, IL until her freshman year of High School when her family moved to Turlock- the city that became home.

It was at Turlock High School that she met her husband of sixty years, Hartley Spycher. Joanne made many lifelong friends at Turlock High. After high school, she received her lifetime teaching credential at Fresno State University and went on to work in the Fresno school system. In 1961 Joanne married Hartley and they began a successful career in agriculture. They moved to Ballico, CA where she took a job teaching fourth grade. She made a real impact there and had an annual reunion with her past students. During her time as a teacher at Ballico, Joanne had two sons, Eric and Kurt, and bought her only home. Joanne and Hartley loved to travel and together with close friends and family successfully toured most of the world. Joanne was a lesson in faith and stability, and truly our family’s anchor. Her relationship with her Savior was first in her life and we know she is celebrating with Him now.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Helen Fredeen. She is survived by her husband Hartley Spycher; brother Gordon Fredeen; children Eric (Sheri) Spycher, and Kurt (Shirley) Spycher; five grandchildren Bryce (Deb) Spycher, Lyndzie (Jeff) Blum, Kaisa Spycher, Derek (Kalli) Spycher, and MacKenzie Spycher; and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock and can be viewed live online at mvcturlock.com.

Memorial donations may be made on Joanne’s behalf to Westside Ministries in Turlock. Please share your condolences at www.AllenMortuary.com.

Condolences(8)

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Betty Hedstrom says
January 23, 2021 at 9:08 pm

I am saddened in the loss of our dear Joanne. She had a heart full of love . A woman of many accolades , that were so evident . We were class mates at THS & with memories over the years . Her presence will surely be missed at our girls get togethers . May her whole family experience the peace & comfort , as only God gives . Peace be to her memory .
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Ernie and Sue Peters says
January 22, 2021 at 11:59 pm

Joanne, dear sweet Joanne. Joanne who had such a special gift. The gift of an open heart for all people who crossed her path. Ernie and I are just so saddened to learn of her passing. For selfish reasons of course as she always made us feel so special. And we are sorry for the pain of loss that Hartley and the family are feeling at this time. However, all of us who know and care for Joanne can find comfort knowing that with her love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that she is experiencing Gods promise to us. God Bless. Ernie and Sue Peters
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Ross ocegueda says
January 22, 2021 at 8:10 pm

Will always remember her beautiful smile and kind heart
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Roger Soderstrom says
January 22, 2021 at 1:51 pm

Joanne led and pioneered a spirit of true friendship; she and 3 high school friends (Doris, Marilyn and Maryn) navigated a life-long camaraderie whose fragrance prompted Joanne’s “friends list” to grow by leaps and bounds! Even death’s sting does not negate the power, wonder and comfort of genuine friendship! Marilyn (deceased) was my older sister and I was a privileged bystander witnessing the magnificence of this God-ordained principle in action!
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Mary Lou A Cederlind says
January 20, 2021 at 4:12 pm

Joanne was always smiling when she saw me. She was always friendly and kind. She will be missed. I have known her since her dad was pastor of the Covenant church. My prayers go out to her family.
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Holly Kindle says
January 20, 2021 at 6:45 am

Perfect picture! I’m very sorry to hear this very sad news!! I work with Lorna who got the privilege to do Joanne’s hair. I enjoyed her fun, loving spirit when she walked in the salon or when I walked in and saw her big smile. She made you feel as though she was always happy to see you. I always felt she gave off a vibe of a woman with great wisdom. Joanne brighten our salon when she was there! Thinking of her and her family at this very difficult time.
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Mike & Nadine Gleaves says
January 20, 2021 at 12:32 am

Joanne and Hartley were our friends when we started going to Mpnte Vista Chapel about 1966. We were all members of the young married class and had good times together as a group. A highlight for us was when they came to Colombia, So. America to visit us in the Amazon jungle while we were working with a primitive tribal group. We will never forget Hartley thinking for sure they were going to shoot him with their blow guns and darts! The Spychers always had us over for a dinner when we were home on furlough as Joanne truly had the gift of hospitality and was always a great hostess. We can remember a number of great young married outdoor parties at their ranch Hartley was instrumental in advising us how to begin almond farming on our little ranch in Hilmar. Joanne was so sweet and will be missed by all we who knew and loved her ! She truly loved her Lord and Savior , Jesus ,and is now safely in his arms. Glory be to God !
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Don & Jean Bothun says
January 19, 2021 at 10:34 pm

When I think of Joanne, faith, joy, fun, laughter , crazy girl is who she is. Never a dull moment. A friend who is all ways positive uplifting and fun to be around. Her strong faith in the Lord and her precious family was her life. This gives me peace knowing she is with her Lord Jesus. Though she is missed we know we will see her again. There will be a empty spot in our hearts as we think of her always.
Prayer with all her family and friends as we all are so saddened with her passing. Know Don & I loved her and trust God will be with her dear Hartley and children during these very hard time.
” BE STILL KNOW I AM GOD”

Joanne Claralyn Spycher September 4, 1938 - January 14, 2021

Condolences(8)

Betty Hedstrom says

Ernie and Sue Peters says

Ross ocegueda says

Roger Soderstrom says

Mary Lou A Cederlind says

Holly Kindle says

Mike & Nadine Gleaves says

Don & Jean Bothun says

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