Joyce Youngman Wenig
June 2, 1935 to 202 February 5, 2026
Joyce Youngman Wenig passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Herman Richard Wenig. She leaves behind four children: Kirsten Helton of Fresno, CA; Stacey Blankenship of Sacramento, CA; Carrie Fia of Wasilla, AK; and John Wenig of Los Banos, CA. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Tony Wolf, Kathryn Helton, Kellie Helton, Matthew Helton, Danielle Casas, Richard Casas, Jennifer Bartkowiak, Rachael Knighten, Suzanna Fia, and Johnathan Wenig; and by her seven great-grandchildren: Anson and Nora Wolf, Henry Casas, Jaemi Casas, Luella Bartkowiak, Harper Fuller, and Aria Wenig, as well as others who have joined her family over the years.
Joyce was born in Fresno, CA, to Henry and Ella Youngman. She spent her early years there surrounded by a large and loving family in the Germans from Russia community. After graduating from Fresno High School, she earned a degree in Education from Fresno State University, later continuing her studies in School Administration at San Jose State University.
She began her career teaching in the Clovis Unified School District, sparking a lifelong commitment to supporting children and their families.
When her children were young, she stepped away from the classroom to devote her time to raising her own family. She and Richard moved their growing family to Monterey County, where they would remain for many years near the ocean that Joyce loved.
Once her children were all in school, Joyce returned to education at the Salinas Adult School and later with the Monterey County Office of Education as Coordinator of Health Education and Drug and Alcohol Use Programs. Her work quietly touched countless students, families, and educators across the county.
In retirement, Joyce and Richard settled on their family ranch in Los Banos, CA, which served as the home base for years of travel and adventure. Together they explored the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in their RV, with Joyce holding a special love for trips to the ocean.
She found joy in the small, everyday moments like bike rides, board games and ice cream with her grandchildren, a good book, favorite movies and Oscar nominations, a Wendy's baked potato, and a house full of family.
Over the course of her life, Joyce was an active community member and served as a 4H and Girl Scout leader and a member of the Triple R Horseman's Association of Salinas. She was proud to have been part of the small group of parents who helped unify North Monterey County Schools and build the high school from which three of her children and three of her grandchildren graduated. She remained active in the AAUW-Los Banos, the California Retired Teachers Association of Merced County, and the Valley Girls Book Club. She was passionate about genealogy and her membership in the Los Banos Genealogy Society, leaving her family with a wonderful understanding of their ancestral roots.
Joyce's life was defined by devotion to her family, service to her community, and an enduring love of learning and laughter. She will be remembered for her warmth, her steady presence, and the countless fond memories she created for those who loved her.

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