Shirley "Joan" Tindal

Shirley "Joan" Tindal was born on April 28, 1932 in Oakland, the eldest of three children of Joseph and Rena LaBarbera. She married Robert Tindal, a career Coastguardsman on July 27, 1948 and they had two children, Margaret (Marji) and Robert. Following her husband's retirement at Master Chief Boatswain (after 21 years of service) they purchased an 80 acre off-grid homestead parcel on McKinney Creek in Horse Creek. Through the years, with much love and hard work, they continued to improve and modernize their log cabin home, built a much-admired barn with adjoining paddocks and upgraded all ranch fencing (the log cabin was originally a one room schoolhouse.) For many years they raised registered Morgan horses for both show and pleasure, and stood their champion stallion, Marvelous Figure, at public stud. Several of their El Captain's Morgans did well when shown by their proud new owners. After her husband's death in 1983, Joan remained on her beloved ranch and gave a loving home to her aging Morgans and many cats and dogs. She felt blessed by the sightings and visits of the local wildlife. Whether cougar, bear or rattler, all were given a free pass on her acreage. Joan was active in the community, serving as secretary of the Northern Klamath River Chamber of Commerce, and was a charter member of the Auxiliary Volunteer Fire Company, where she was named Citizen of the Year in 1998. Joan was also a volunteer in the Yreka Caregiver group, and joined the Yreka Elks in 2000, where she was an officer for seven years, and was named "Officer of the Year" in 2009-2010. Joan truly treasured our nation's forests, mountains and streams, and became an active supporter for their protection with several national and local groups. She took much pleasure in backpacking, cross-country skiing and white water rafting for many years. As a life-long animal lover, she also was a donating member of several animal protection organizations. After living "downriver" for 35 years, Joan moved to the Oakridge Estates in Yreka in 2007. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald, husband Robert, daughter Marje and son Robert. She is survived by her sister, Carol Webster of Pilot Hill, California, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to any animal or environmental protection organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.girdnerfuneralchapel.com.

Shirley "Joan" Tindal

April 28, 1932 - September 28, 2021