In 1954 Joan joined the U.S. Navy to “see the world”. In 1955 while stationed in Texas, she met and married a young sailor, Max Kelso. The Navy kept them moving from Texas, to Maryland, Tennessee, Washington and California, during which time their family grew with the birth of five children.
During these years, Joan and Max made lifelong friends with many Navy families they were stationed with. One particular family they met while in Whidbey Island, WA, Bill and Ruth Fox and their three daughters, were to become the Kelso’s best friends and extended family. Bill and Ruth settled in Orange County after leaving the Navy, and the two families spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas together for many years.
In 1964 the Kelso’s settled in San Diego, and while Max continued his Navy career, Max and Joan raised their five children in East County. Joan spent her time supporting her children’s interests including Little League, Bobby Sox, PTA roles, and student foreign exchange. She was also an expert seamstress and loved to quilt and knit. She made the kids’ Halloween costumes most years and made every Christmas a magical time with special holiday treats and traditions that were repeated every year to the delight of her family.
During this time, the Kelso’s had many visitors from all over the country. Joan hosted friends and relatives on a regular basis and showed them San Diego tourist sites, sometimes visiting Seaworld and the Zoo many times a year.
In 1983, Joan returned to the work world at B&M Associates where she worked in the office for 15 years. One of the most significant aspects of this time was introducing her boss, Mark McKim, to her daughter Stacey.
In retirement, Max and Joan moved to the Alpine area after living in Spring Valley for 30 years. They enjoyed a life filled with grandkids and travel. Joan helped with the grandkids whenever she could spending school breaks with Paula and her kids in Carlsbad and time in Las Vegas with Sheila’s kids. Nancy’s son, Brett, spent time after school being spoiled by Grammy and Pop.
Joan joined East Valley Christian Fellowship church after her move to Alpine. She loved the fellowship and made many friends. She loved helping others and participating in different activities at the church.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, her son, James Lee Kelso, and her granddaughter, Heather Kelso. She is survived by her daughters Paula Moody of Carlsbad, Nancy Trevellyan of Spring Valley, Stacey McKim of Palmetto, Florida, Sheila Wudtke of Henderson, Nevada, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Joan's name to the Alzheimers Association (alz.org).
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