Joyce Ann Marlow

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet Mother Joyce Ann Marlow. She was born to W.A. “Tommy” and Leola James Thompson March 23, 1936 in Lindsay, California and passed away on April 25, 2015 in Visalia, California.

Mom was raised in Lindsay and was a graduate of Lindsay High School. We have discovered that she was quite involved in school activities which included Junior Red Cross, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Girls’ Service Club, Student Body Secretary and Homecoming Queen just to name a few. Mom was part of a group of nine young women that did everything together at the time and to this day they still get together at least once a year to reminisce. It was in high school that she met her sweetheart Gerald Marlow and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005.

Mom worked for Crocker Bank as secretary and then went to work for Production Credit in the same capacity until her retirement in 2000.

Mom was a woman of strong faith and a proud member of the Visalia United Methodist Church; participating in many groups, and working in the kitchen as always when needed. She had many hobbies and was involved with multiple groups including quilting, her bunco group that she was a member of for over 40 years, canasta and a book club. She also loved walking Bailey, usually walking a couple of miles each day.

Family was the most important thing in her life. She was happiest when she was surrounded by and cooking for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would bake cookies for every holiday and the grandchildren would help her decorate them. To her it wasn’t about the cookies but just about spending time together. She also loved gardening and sharing that love with the grandchildren too.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald and her parents. Surviving family members include her sister and brother-in-law Helen and Herschel Riggan and Uncle Howard Thompson. Also surviving her are son and daughter-in-law Greg and Rhonda Marlow and son and daughter-in-law Russ and Jennifer Marlow. Grandson Geoff Marlow (Lisa) and granddaughters Briana Gutierrez (Steven), Katherine Marlow and Julia Marlow. Great-grandchildren Tyler Griffith, Gavin Marlow, Abby Marlow and Aidan Gutierrez and her faithful canine companion Bailey.

Mom’s memorial service will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia on Friday, May 15th at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes that you make a donation in her name to: Visalia United Methodist Church Serpralo Circle, 5200 West Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.