Joan Bowker De Yager

was born in San Diego, California, to Walter King and Ruby Brite Bowker. She was a native

Californian from a pioneer family as her great-grandfather arrived in San Francisco in 1848.

Joan graduated from UC Berkeley, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

Upon graduation, she lived in San Francisco and worked for the phone company until she

departed for Germany. While in Germany, Joan helped organize a variety of programs and

services for the troops during the Korean Conflict. During her time in Europe, she met her future

husband, Thomas DeYager.

She returned to California, married Tom, and moved to Manhattan Beach, where she started her

family. In 1961, the family relocated to Fresno, and she began her teaching career which lasted

until she retired in 1990. During her 34 years of retirement, Joan pursued many activities.

Joan was an avid tennis player and played USTA competitive tennis for much of her life; and

was a long time member of Fig Garden Swim & Racket Club through which she established

lifelong friendships. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, spent several years

volunteering at Holiday Boutique, and was a staunch CSUF Bulldog supporter. She was a Zoo

Docent, and traveled extensively. Joan was an active member and a past President of Fresno

Alumnae Panhellenic Association. Joan truly embodied Theta for a Lifetime, participating for 79

years as an active and alumna. She recently returned to Fresno after living up in Sequim,

Washington, at The Lodge, where she made many dear friends.

Joan is survived by her three children Nancy, Karen and Tom (Elaine); her grandchildren, Matt

(RaeAnn), Michael (Amalia), Ian (Devan), Jack (Emily) and Colleen (Grant); and her

great-granddaughters Hannah, Emma, and Ava; as well as her elder brother Jack Bowker. She

was predeceased by her parents, her brother Walter, her grandson Tommy, and her sons-in-law

Norm Gilchrist and Sheldon Gist.

Services will be held at the Whitehurst Chapel at 3:00 PM on September 28, 2024. Reception to follow.