Joan Elizabeth Hines

Joan Elizabeth (Forbes) Hines, 94, a lifelong resident of Sanger, California, passed away peacefully at Palm Village Retirement Community in Reedley, CA, on August 13, 2026. Raised in Fresno, Joan moved with her family to Piedra, where her father raised beef cattle, beginning her lifelong connection to ranching life. She graduated from Clovis High School and attended Fresno State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies. Following college, she married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Newton Hines and the couple spent their early married years in Pacific Grove, where Joan lovingly taught kindergarten.

Upon returning to the Central Valley, Joan and Bob shared 69 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family built on love, faith, and devotion. Joan spent her entire life supporting Bob and deeply rooted in the Sanger community. Her gentle patience and vibrant faith shined through her years teaching Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church in Sanger, as well as teaching children in the local Good News Clubs. One of Joan's greatest passions was her family's cattle business in Crown Valley and Dinkey Creek. She loved being a part of that ranching life, especially cooking hearty meals for all the cowboys after a long, hard day of work. Joan was defined by her profound servant's heart. She never wanted to impose on anyone for her own needs, choosing instead to always put others ahead of herself. Her legacy of selflessness, hospitality, and quiet strength will be forever remembered by those who loved her. Joan's greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving mother to Elizabeth "Beth" Heuer and her husband Mark, and David Hines and his wife Dianna. She was the cherished grandmother of Joanie (Scott) Riddle, Katie (Johnny) Verwey, Bob (Ali) Hines, Megan (Kevin) McDannald, and Hannah (Matt) Lindsay. Her legacy continues to bloom through her 20 great-grandchildren, with one precious great-great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, her parents, Ted and Elizabeth (Libby) Forbes, and her brother, Dan Forbes.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 31, 2026, at New Covenant Community Church located at 1610 Jensen Ave, Sanger, California. A private family burial at the Sanger Cemetery will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joan's memory to any of the following ministries:

• Crown Valley Youth Ranch, P.0. Box 728, Woodlake, CA 93286 • Horn of Africa Mission, P.0. Box 4125, Mountain View, CA 94040-0125 • Child Evangelism Fellowship, 1322 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710