Joyce Ann Smith, 86, of Wapakoneta, OH, died 8:16 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, with her daughter at her side. 

She was born September 23, 1937, in Bellefontaine, OH, the daughter of the late Franklin E. and Bernice (McKee) Deardurff. 

On Feb. 15, 1957, she married Donald E. Smith, and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2016.

Survivors include, 3 children, Debra A. (Fred-dec) Poeppelman, Wapakoneta; Kenneth E. (Tammy) Smith, Sprout Spring, VA.; Dennis L. (Dee-dec) Smith, Minster, OH; 8 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brother, Richard (Sue) Deardurff, Huntsville, OH; sisters-in-law, Jane Deardurff, Mary Reams, Beverly Deardurff, Dodi Deardurff; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Joe Deardurff, Paul Deardurff, and Eugene Deardurff.

A homemaker, Joyce was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a 1955 graduate of Lakeview High School, and attended Capital University. 

Joyce treasured time spent with her family.  Her interests include playing cards, puzzles, camping, and in her younger years, square dancing.  She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s dance recitals and musical performances. 

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Fr. Michael Willig officiating. 

Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. 

The family will receive friends 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, and 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospice or St. Joseph CYO Basketball. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.