Joan Diane Bishop (Rule) succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease at home surrounded by her family on October 12 in Anderson, CA at the age of 84.

Joan is survived by her husband Sam Bishop of Anderson; children Skeet Bishop and wife Lisa of Goldendale, WA; Tom Bishop and wife Shawnee of Fairbanks, AK; and Lori Walter (Bishop) and Greg Walter of North Pole, AK; brother Bill Rule and wife Arlene of Lompoc, CA; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Joan was born on February 6, 1937 in Lompoc, CA to Winfield and Mary Rule.  She graduated high school, then attended college and earned a degree as a registered nurse.  She married Sam after two dates, July 25, 1959 and was a dedicated wife for 62 years.  After moving to Fort Bragg, CA, Sam and Joan welcomed Skeet and later Tom into their home.  The family then moved to Anderson, CA where they welcomed Lori the following year.  She worked with Sam for 9 years in the family’s Phillips 66 gas station in Anderson.  In 1972 she agreed to move to Alaska for five years.  She and Sam were self-employed entrepreneurs.  While Sam worked the family businesses, Joan kept the books while working full-time jobs. She retired in 1999 from the State of Alaska Public Health Nurse’s office.  After 35 years of adventure and hard work in Alaska, she and Sam retired back to Anderson, CA.

Her children remember her as a kind, funny, patient, loving and gentle mother who always put her family before herself.  She enjoyed fishing and hunting with the family.  More than once, while sitting in camp she was found watching deer, moose, and wolves pass by just enjoying the beauty of them.  She enjoyed reading and could often be found immersed in a Harlequin Romance often reading one novel a day.  She especially enjoyed playing cards and doing puzzles with her family.  As one of her grandchildren noted, “Grandma was the best partner to have in card games.” 

The family would like to thank Keri Strisower (Bishop) for her years of care and compassion for mom.

The family will hold a private graveside ceremony at Anderson cemetery and celebration of life afterwards.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Organization.  Condolences can be sent to Sam and the family via Lori Walter lilbit463@hotmail.com.