September 28, 1936 – March 21, 2025
Shirley Joan Dickinson, lovingly known as "JoAnn" to family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025. Born on September 28, 1936, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Joan was the 10th of 11 children born to Floyd and Gladys Villines. At just six months old, Joan and her family relocated to California, where she was raised in Planada. She attended Planada Elementary School and graduated from Le Grand High School.
During her high school years, Joan met the love of her life, George Dickinson. They were married on April 22, 1955, and shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. Together, they raised three children, Jeff (Sandy), Karen (Ramiro), and Kenny. Joan took immense pride in her five grandchildren, Melissa Dickinson, Nick Rodriguez, Desirae Dickinson, Joe Rodriguez, and Kevin Dickinson (Laura), as well as her two great grandchildren, Alba and Casey Dickinson.
Joan was a dedicated partner in both family and business. She worked alongside George in the family almond ranch and together they established D&D Pest Control. Joan was an active member of the Le Grand United Methodist Church and the Merced Golf and Country Club. She was a passionate and skilled golfer, forming lasting friendships on the green.
Joan is survived by her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her brothers-in-law George Parker and John Dickinson (CeCe), and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, her siblings, Conard Villines, Howard Villines, Christene Watson, Kenneth Villines, Bill Villines, Mae Egan, Jean Brown, Maxine Parker, Sonny Villines, and Beverly Ewing and her daughter-in-law Sandra Dickinson.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca Cortez for her compassionate care and companionship during Joan's illness, as well as to Hinds Hospice for their support during this difficult time.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Plainsburg Cemetery located at 8943 Gillette Avenue, Le Grand, California 95333.
Please join us in remembering Shirley Joan Dickinson by visiting our Memorial at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Althoff Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home,Amanda Garcia , Funeral Arranger.
