Janice Edwyna Ihde

With a spirit as vibrant as a patchwork quilt, Janice "Mimi" Ihde stitched together a life full of joy, laughter, and love before embarking on her final adventure on January 20, 2024, in Fresno, California. Born Janice Edwyna Williams, on April 2, 1936, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, she was the beloved tapestry of her family and friends, leaving us at the age of 87.

Janice was a loving wife to Wallace Ihde. The two met in Redondo Beach, California, and married on May 8th, 1954. The couple moved to Fresno, California in 1955, where they started their family. Her marriage to Wally was a beautiful blend of 69 years of dedication, laughter, and the occasional mischievous thread that kept things interesting.

Janice was a devoted mother to her children, Sheri (Ron) Foglio, Sheli (Jeff) Klein, Steve (Kim) Ihde, Sandi (Jon) Shafqat, and Susi (Norm) Bishop. They were the vibrant blocks in her quilt of life, each adding their own unique color and texture. Her cherished grandchildren, Jeff (Michaele) Klein, Jennifer Klein, Dina (Abel) Molina, Daniel Foglio, Stefanie (Justin) VanDerKooi, Steven (Alee) Ihde, Erin (Scot) Riddell, Gracie Shafqat, Hayley Bishop, Ryan Bishop, and Matthew Bishop and great-grandchildren Destani, Michael, Amara, Jak, Noah, Addyson, Austin, and Talyia, were the embellishments that made the family masterpiece complete.

Janice is survived by her brother Joe (Kathie) Peery, husband Wally Ihde, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Georgia Means.

Janice attended Mira Costa High School and graduated in 1954, where she was more than just a 'plain hem'—she was a pattern of kindness and friendship. Her career at the California Cotton Compress was where she ironed out the wrinkles of the workday and kept everything running smoothly. She also played an integral part in the success of Wally’s Tire and Wheel, their family business. In addition to her occupations, being a mother was her most beloved career.

Her hobbies included sewing, crafting, scrapbooking, camping, going to the beach, reading, tutoring, playing dominoes and other board games, traveling, snorkeling, ziplining, parasailing, and boating—Mimi did it all with the enthusiasm of someone who knows that life is the ultimate craft project.

Janice found her spiritual home at Central Community Church, now known as The Word Church. She wove her faith into every aspect of her life, creating a beautiful example of kindness and generosity that wrapped her loved ones in warmth.

The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706-1310

Visitation at Stephens and Bean: Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 3:00 pm-7:00 pm

Service at Stephens and Bean: Thursday, February 8, 2024, 10:00 am

Luncheon at Wedgewood Event Center, 4584 W Jacquelyn Ave, Fresno, CA 93722

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Janice Ihde will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Her life was a roadmap for us to follow, full of strength, humor, love, and the kind of playful spirit that makes the world a brighter, more beautiful place. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who mourn her loss.