Joan Louise Pharis

Joan Louise Pharis, 95, of Porterville, California, passed away on April 1, 2026, surrounded by family. Joan was born on July 1, 1930 in Lindsay, California to Horace (H.M) and Wilda Perkins. She was a descendant of the pioneer Vincent family who came by covered wagon to California in the 1860's, later settling in the Tulare County area in the 1880's.

She attended Lindsay Schools, graduating from Lindsay High School in 1948. She continued her education at College of the Sequoias, earning an AA degree.

In the early 1950's Joan worked for the Bureau of Reclamation (Lindsay Office) and later did substitute teaching in the Lindsay/Strathmore area. She worked for many years as an instructional aide at Sunnyside Elementary School.

In 1954, Joan married Delmer Pharis, beginning their life together, starting a business and raising two children. While raising her children, she was always ready to volunteer as a room mother, Cub Scout den mother, or Girl Scout leader, as well as working with the Strathmore High School Boosters Club.

For many years Joan served as the Area Chairman of the March of Dimes and Easter Seals Fund Drives, and also worked with the Tulare County Election Board.

Joan was a member of the Strathmore Town and Country Club for 65 years and many of those years she enjoyed decorating for the annual fashion show or any special events that they might have. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter EH in Lindsay for over 40 years.

Joan was very artistic and creative and loved to paint in watercolor. Being an excellent cook, she could make anything taste good, from grandma's old recipe book to new dishes she would try that were a hit! She loved to entertain in her home with friends and family and guests always knew there would be good food and a good time!

Joan and Del were married 64 years (until his death) and spent many of their retirement years traveling the world, but also enjoyed spending time with children, grandchildren and friends at their home at the coast.

She was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Strathmore for many years where she served as a deacon. In later years Joan attended United Methodist Church in Porterville. 

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Del, and sister Eleanor Clark. She is survived by her daughter Lori Wright (Keith), her son Mike Pharis (Jane), and grandchildren Cory Anderson (Debbie), Ryan Wright (Nöel), Whitney Wright (Spencer Moen), Derek Pharis (Erin), Bryson Pharis (Laurel), and Allison Hill (Zachary), great grandchildren Wyatt, Julianne, and Walker Wright, Jax and Jace Anderson, and Grayson Hill. She is also survived by her sister Marcia Holland and sister-in-law Betty Noel, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dawn Doty for the loving care she gave our mom over the last 4 years, and to Roberta Sotelo and Belia Rountree for their part in her care, Sierra Hills staff, Caring Hearts, and American Care Hospice.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 A.M at the Lindsay-Strathmore Cemetery, 649 S. Foothill Ave. Lindsay, CA.

Memorial donations can be made to the Strathmore Town and Country Club, 

Re: Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 203, Strathmore, CA 93267 or to the donor's favorite charity.

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