Joan was born July 19, 1937 to Paul and Nadera Suter. It was Joan’s mother, Nadera (Moon), and her family, that homesteaded Moon Creek in Cloverdale, Oregon.
Joan grew up in Tillamook, spending a lot of her childhood with John and Leona Burbank. She attended South Prairie Grade School, later graduating from Tillamook High School, where she met Robert Hurliman. She married Robert June 18, 1955 and they welcomed their first of seven children in December of 1956. They made a home in Bay City, where they welcomed 3 more children. Moving to the homestead up Yellow Fir Road, Joan and Robert had another child, followed six years later by twins. She cared for her children while embarking on a new career as a Rural Mail Carrier substitute, later becoming full time and retiring 24 years later. During these years she became chauffeur to many…driving the strawberry buses in summer time and taking kids to sporting events. When she wasn’t busy with that, she was part of bowling leagues, 4-H, and generally helping anyone that needed a hand. She had a love for baking, canning, quilting, crafting, bingo (her number was finally called), playing games with friends, and planting gardens-especially dahlias. Joan took to traveling in her retirement years, taking cruises with her daughters and friends. She was able to see Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbeans. She once traveled 22 states in a week with her daughters, to visit her sister in Georgia. She was a lifetime member of the Eagles Auxiliary and Pioneer Association.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Robert. She is survived by many- her children: Parry (Feenie) Hurliman, Stephanie Willis, Paul Hurliman, Mark Hurliman, Robert (Sandy) Hurliman, Holly Rico, and Heather Hurliman; five sisters, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held for Joan at Waud’s Funeral Home, Saturday April 11th at 11am. Luncheon to follow.