Joan Annette Stevens, 79, Valley City, ND passed away at Mercy Hospital in Valley City on September 28, 2021.  A service honoring Joan will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home Chapel, Valley City.  She will be laid to rest at the Sheyenne Valley Cemetery, rural Kathryn, ND.  The funeral service will be live streamed and archived along with her obituary and online guestbook at www.lerudschuldt.com

Joan was the daughter of Elmer and Eileen Stevens of rural Valley City, ND.  She was born January 31, 1942 in Niagara Falls, NY.  Joan grew up on the family farm south of Valley City and received her education in country schools, graduating from Kathryn (ND) High School with the class of 1960.

At a young age, she contracted encephalitis which resulted in a life-long disability.  In spite of this, she became determined to overcome many obstacles.

With the help of correspondence courses, Joan developed a love of drawing and painting.  She used these talents for personal pleasure and producing salable items such as bird notes and Valley City magnets.

Following high school, Joan attended the Anne Carlson School in Jamestown, ND.  She then moved on to the Good Samaritan Center in Arthur, ND.  From Arthur, Joan moved to the Open Door Center group homes in Valley City.  In July 2006, she transferred to the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City, where she’s made her home now for 15 years.  She enjoyed many activities and friendships there.  The SCC became a big family for Joan where she knew her smiles and waves were valued.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents.  She leaves behind:  a sister, Noreen (Gene) Smestad of Valley City; a nephew, Richard (Jennifer) Smestad of Fergus Falls, MN; and a niece, Robin (Loren) Stahl of Fargo, ND.  Also surviving are several cousins, five great nieces, and a great nephew.

The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Joan’s family with arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com