April 14, 1931 – August 20, 2026
Joyce Arlene Pittman Koftinow, 95, of Turlock, California, passed away peacefully at her residence on August 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Joyce was born on April 14, 1931, in Kansas to Lucille and Ernie Pittman. The youngest of four children, she grew up alongside her three brothers, Gail, Ivan, and Valdean. Her family settled in Turlock when she was young, and she graduated from Turlock High School in 1949. Fifty years later, Joyce celebrated that milestone with her classmates on a memorable Alaskan cruise.
Following high school, Joyce attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where she met the love of her life, John Koftinow. The couple married in 1951 and shared 67 years of marriage before John’s passing in 2018.
Throughout her working years, Joyce held positions at a bank in Stockton, Dr. Makin’s office, Wakefield School, and Brown School, where she worked for 10 years. She later served in an administrative role at Turlock High School, retiring after a rewarding career devoted to helping students, staff, and her community.
Community service was an important part of Joyce’s life. She joined the Epsilon Rho Chapter #2106 of Epsilon Sigma Alpha on October 1, 1964, beginning more than 61 years of devoted service. She served as chapter president from 1967 to 1968, Mid Valley president from 1971 to 1972 and again from 2004 to 2006, and state president from 1983 to 1984.
Joyce will be remembered for her extraordinary generosity, dedication, and love for her E.S.A. sisters and the many people helped by the organization. Over the years, she participated in charity balls, St. Jude Dream Home events, costume parties, enchilada-making fundraisers, the wine booth at the fair, and countless other philanthropic activities.
The American Legion Auxiliary also held a special place in Joyce’s heart, and she proudly served as a past president. She enjoyed serving hamburgers at the fair and working alongside her mother, Lucille, who helped make the original sauce for the beloved V.F.W. burgers.
Joyce embraced life with enthusiasm. She participated in a bowling league, enjoyed golfing, and was a loyal fan of the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants. She especially loved traveling, whether touring the United States with her E.S.A. friends, visiting her condominium on Molokai, Hawaii, or exploring destinations such as Africa and New York. One of her most recent adventures was a memorable journey along the Columbia River.
Above all, Joyce treasured her family. Her generosity, adventurous spirit, dedication to service, and deep love for those around her will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Koftinow; her son, Ronald I. Koftinow; her parents, Lucille and Ernie Pittman; and her brothers, Gail, Ivan, and Valdean.
She is survived by her sons, Daniel C. Koftinow and Kevin V. Koftinow; and daughter-in-law, Debra Hall-Koftinow wife of the late Ronald I. Koftinow. Joyce is also survived by her grandchildren, Sasha N. Koftinow, Michael J. Koftinow, Christopher Koftinow, and Evan Koftinow; and great-grandson, Jackson Koftinow.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway, Turlock, California.
A private committal service will be held at Turlock Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Turlock Animal Shelter.
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