Joanne Erickson

Age 89, born December 31, 1931 in Modesto, CA to James and Mildred Phillips. Joanne grew up on the family farm in Hollister, CA the youngest of four children. Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and her husband, Steve.

Joanne’s favorite childhood memories included walking the fields hand in hand with her Dad, endless rides on her favorite horse Chip and reading in the barn with any book she could get her hands on.

Joanne attended small country schools growing up in Hollister. When Joanne was attending Junior College, she drove the school bus for elementary and high school children, a job her brothers and sister had before her. They assigned Joanne the oldest bus knowing her dad could fix anything, so the bus stayed at the farm.

Joanne was the Salinas Rodeo Queen in 1949. The following summer she toured different states including New York to promote Rodeos.

Joanne met her husband Stephen Wendell Erickson at Fresno State, where Joanne was majoring in Animal Husbandry. Joanne and Steve made their first home in Greenville, Mississippi where Steve was stationed with the Air Force after graduation.

Joanne and Steve returned to Madera in 1957, where they began their family on the family farm. Joanne managed the home, raised three children and thoroughly enjoyed life with her new friends. When, the children were older, Joanne worked part time at the Madera Livestock Yard and worked the livestock office at fairs in the local counties.

Joanne enjoyed bowling, gardening, reading, cooking, bridge, golf, the mountains, traveling, family ski trips and playing cards with friends. Over the years Joanne was a member of the Young Homemakers, Alegria Guild, the Sigma Theta Sorority (her party group), and the Madera County Historical Society.

Joanne loved the outdoors and took endless pictures. She enjoyed many pack trips over the years with friends. You could find Joanne in the bleachers at every game, meet or competition her children were in through high school and with three kids, 5 sports, 4-H and FFA that was a lot of events.

Joanne was a leader of the Shamrock 4-H group for many years, a member of the Madera County Club with Steve and an active member of the women’s group. Joanne took full advantage of traveling around California playing at other golf courses.


Joanne is survived by: Daughter Norma and her husband Rod of Hilmar, CA, Daughter Susan and her husband Steve of Santa Maria, CA, Son Jim and his wife Lori of Madera, CA
Joanne has eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren: Jason, his wife Stacy and their three children Kaydence, James, and Henry Lee, his wife Amanda and their two children, Hugh and MaryAva Kristi, her husband Drew and their son Oliver Bobby, his wife Lauren and their four children Gracelyn, , Weston, Eloise and Miles Becky, her husband Kurtis and their son Chase
Micheal, Kelly and their two daughters Cameron and Cecily, Jimmy and Brian

The family would like to thank their mom’s caregiver, Reina for her dedication, love and care. They would also like to thank Hinds Hospice for their support and care.

Donations can be made in remembrance of Joanne to the Madera County Historical Society, Hinds Hospice or the donor’s favorite charity.

An Open House to Celebrate the Life of Joanne will be held at a later date.