Obituary of Joan Bachus

With great sorrow and unending love, the Bachus and Bentler Families announce the passing of our kind, caring, and bravely independent mother, Joan Anderson Bachus.

Joan is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Sonja Bachus and her daughter and son-in-law Jill and Rick Bentler. Joan “Grandma Phydeaux” also leaves behind her seven adoring grandchildren - Morgan (Matt) Baukol, Nicholas (Christine) Bachus, Madeline Bachus, Benjamin (Angaleena) Bentler, Elizabeth Bentler, Abigail Bentler, and Peter Bentler. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Mary Miller, sister of her late husband John with two nieces and a nephew. She is also mourned by her beloved dog and constant companion Lola. She was preceded in death by her parents Axel and Hazel Anderson and her husband of 43 years, John Bachus.

Joan was born on April 4, 1935 in Chicago, IL. A much loved only child she grew up during the Great Depression surrounded by the love of a close family that included her parents and her beloved Grandma Marmee and great-grandmother Lily. Although Lily questioned the wisdom of a girl going to college, Joan became the first in her family to achieve a degree. She graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin in 1957 with a degree in Biology and minors in English and History. Introduced to her future husband by mutual friends, Joan married John Bachus on April 23, 1960. Shortly after their marriage they headed West to live their California dream. Their family was completed by the birth of their son Jeff in 1963 and daughter Jill in 1964.

As a child, Joan took tap and ballet dance lessons, participated in Girl Scouts, and was active in the National Honor Society and Girl’s Athletic Association. In college she was a member of the Pi Delta Omega sorority, holding the position of president her senior year. Joan began her professional life out of college working for Encyclopedia Brittanica as a library researcher. She later obtained her teaching credential and taught 7th and 8th grades in Chicago and later in Long Beach, CA. Upon the birth of her first child Joan retired from teaching to raise her family. She later returned to the field of education at Madonna del Sasso School in Salinas, CA where she taught 8th grade and 5th grade for 19 years before retiring in 2000. Joan was a dedicated teacher and yearbook advisor, much loved by her students but her real passions were her family and hobbies. Joan was an avid golfer playing into her 80s. She also enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, stitchery, sewing, and quilting. As a dog lover she had many canine companions throughout her life. A particularly well-loved golden retriever came into her life as her grandchildren were being born earning her the nickname, “Grandma Phydeaux.”

Joan valued her independence. She stayed in her home in Lake Wildwood, CA following the death of her husband John in 2003. At Lake Wildwood she enjoyed golfing and boating in the company of many friends. Another favorite activity was penning the women’s golf “Putter Report” for the local newspaper. She also gave her time volunteering at the Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley and at the Hospice Gift and Thrift of Penn Valley. In 2021 she moved into a brand-new home in Chico, CA. In Chico she enjoyed setting up her new home, sharing her knowledge of propagating heritage roses, exploring thrift and antique stores, and attending Faith Lutheran Church where she quickly became involved as a greeter. She remained in her home in Chico until her death.

Honoring her final wishes, Joan will join her beloved husband John at a later date. Her time at Ripon College remained one of Joan’s most cherished memories, as such memorial donations can be made in her honor at https://alumni.ripon.edu/give/make-a-gift/