Florence Joyce Ewert

Flo was born in the little town of Lockwood located in the middle of the grain prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada. One month after birth, because of poverty, she was placed in an orphanage. Two months later on a cold January day in 1939 she was adopted and welcomed into a loving home to replace the aching loss of a 15 year old son who had passed away from illness. Her new name would be Florence Joyce Gerbrandt and she would have two brothers, Gene age 10 and Kenneth 5 years of age. She was loved and cherished by her new family. Her father, though poor and uneducated, instilled self worth and value into this new addition to the family. “Your brothers just came”, her father would tell her. “You we chose.” When Flo was age 10 the Gerbrandt Family relocated to California eventually settling in Dinuba, CA where she graduated from Immanuel High School. In 1955 her path crossed Bob Ewerts. He was smitten and 2 years later they married eventually bring 2 children into the world, Craig (Seattle) and Christie (Seattle). In 1978 Florence became mom to Tony Atkins, affectionately known as TA, who came to live with us. The house was filled with laughter as never before and Tony became a permanent member of the family.

Florence’s love for accounting and bookkeeping found her in the employ of Roller Towne, Mel Johnson Construction, and Developer Ed Mollan who taught her the skill of property management. At his encouragement she eventually started her own management company which she operated for approximately 25 years.

Many years after her adopted parents had passed away, and at the urging of her children she was able to discover her Canadian biological family which included a half brother, 2 half sisters, and lots of cousins. This discovery proved to be a special blessing for Florence and her family and resulted in several enjoyable trips to Canada.

At age 64 she and her husband, Bob, opened the Paris Flea Market in downtown Visalia which they operated for 6 1/2 years. It was a profitable adventure, lots of work and loads of fun. After the store was sold Bob and Florence retired…sort of.

In 2014 Florence began experiencing noticeable breathing issues. In January 2015 she was diagnosed with idiopathic bilateral pulmonary fibrosis, a gradual hardening of lung tissue for which there is no cure. 28 month later she passed into the presence of her Lord.

Flo was noted for her wit, her quiet faith, her beautiful hand work, love of puzzles, skill with a dollar, and sweetness in her own funny way. She loved Morro Bay but not mountain roads.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna Gerbrandt, brother Kenneth Gerbrandt, and 3 half-siblings. She is survived by her husband Bob, son Craig, his wife Lisa, their son Noah, and Craig’s daughter Chelsea. Additional survivors are daughter Christie Regier and husband Monte and their children Brooke and Austin, her older brother Gene, sister-in-law Geraldine Gerbrandt and lots of cousins, nephews and nieces.

A memorial to celebrate Florence’s life will be held Saturday June 17, 11 am at GateWay Church, Visalia CA.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to one of Flo’s favorite charitable organizations Ministries for Family Enrichment founded by Tom and Jeannine Gonzales. P.O Box 441, Visalia, CA 93279. This ministry reaches into China, India, Nepal Burma, Korea and the Carribean.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.