Mrs. Joyce E. Smith, 86, of Rochester passed away at 8:27 AM on Saturday, September 11 , 2021 at Seasons Home Care of Warsaw.

On August 6 , 1935, Joyce Evelyn Hunt was born in Alto, to Sherman and Carrie Snyder Hunt. As one of 11 children, she shared her childhood with five sisters and five brothers.

Joyce and Galen D. Smith were married on August 25 , 1957 at the Chili United Methodist Church. They shared 63 years of life's adventures.  From their union came three wonderful children, Kerry, Susan and Greg.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of five grandchildren.

An active member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Joyce was also a member of United Methodist Women and the Blue Apple Study Group.  She delivered Meals on Wheels and played in the local euchre and bridge clubs.

A true sports fan, Joyce loved, followed and was knowledgeable about many sports.  Basketball was her forte, always present for the Zebras games when Galen coached.  Each spring, Joyce loved following the IHSAA and NCAA tournaments during March Madness. More recently she could be seen in the stands following Greg's women's volleyball team at Cedarville or checking in with him afterwards to get the latest updates.  Her Chicago Cubs began their season in April and Joyce could be found relaxing in her favorite chair cheering for her Cubbies.

Each summer brought on the FCA retreats, an opportunity to renew old friendships and help our youth grow spiritually.  The Smiths were vital to the success and continuity of the program.  Galen and Joyce also enjoyed their annual expedition to Crooked Lake, located in the Upper Peninsula for a week of relaxation and fine fishing.

At home Joyce planted and oversaw a vegetable garden each year, then harvested the produce for use.  She fed the birds with special feed that sometimes the deer and squirrels enjoyed too. From her kitchen Joyce created special meals for her family, her specialties were spaghetti and meatballs and beef and noodles. She was known for her pies and cookies coming fresh from the oven, always in demand.

As the matriarch of the Smith family Grandma Joyce was passionate about her five grandchildren and made it a point to follow their school activities and sports team's progress.  She looked forward to the holidays and special birthday parties celebrating with her family.

Left to cherish Joyce's memory are a daughter, Susan Halterman of Rochester; Kerry Smith and wife Susan of Denver; Greg Smith and wife Erica of Cedarville, OH; five grandchildren: Jillian Williams and husband Ben, Katherine Halterman, Peytan Smith, Reagan Smith, Logan Smith; two sisters: Doris Smith of Denver, Nancy Ridenour of Wabash; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joyce in death are her parents; beloved husband Galen on November 28 , 2020;  son-in-law Jerry R. Halterman; three sisters: Mable O'Donnell, Mary Fred, Frances Creason; and five Hunt brothers: Charles, Raymond Dale, Doyal, Paul and Kenneth Gene.

A celebration of the life of Joyce E. Smith will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 20 , 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church, 201 West 7 ^th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service.  Her family requests that visitors wear masks.

Interment will be in the Chili Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 201 W. 7 ^th St., Rochester, IN 46975 or the Rochester Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2902 Manitou Park Drive, Rochester, IN 46975.