Joan Marie Smith

June 21,1942 – August 7th 2025

Joan grew up in southern California on a small farm with her parents and brother, from her stories a picture is painted of her being not the girl of “sugar and spice and everything nice”, but a girl who wasn’t afraid to get dirty, enjoying see the tools at work and using them. In some ways she challenged the norm of the time. She didn’t brag on herself, pointing to her parents and brother and how she loved them, admired them and learned from them.

Often left out from a remembrance are the times in a person’s life which many not be flattering. However, to know Joan’s life and to celebrate her triumph one must know she had her struggles. During these years she was married and divorced more than once, took some wrong turns using substance to escape. When she did share her lifelong journey of recovery it wasn’t from a place of arrogance or judgement but from a place of humility and a sadness in opportunities missed. This time also brought her times of joy with the births of her four children, family trips and coming to Nebraska. Without knowing it, Joan taught us that the dark places and wrong turns in life can be overcome with God’s help. She changed her life’s path through action and surrendering in faith. Struggles remained for her, but she never stopped her efforts. Joan analyzed and her heart ached at these choices of this period in her life and throughout her time with us. Joan’s new course led her to obtaining her LPN license, and moving forward in life.

Joan’s life journey led her to Grant County in Washington state where she married for the final time continue to raise her youngest daughter and adding seven grown stepchildren with families of their own. She spent many years caring for patients at the Othello Hospital and teaching childbirth Lamaze, and helping moms bring new life into this world. She was an active member of the Warden Mennonite Church, a prayer warrior, and a servant to others. The small church was family, and she became close gaining good friends celebrating their wins and encouraging them through losses.

Joan’s love of the outdoors meant going hunting and fishing. With the occasional sparkle in her eye and maybe just a little bragging she shared how on occasion how she out shot or out caught the guys and kept the freezer full. Not being one to keep still Joan would rock hunt, work the cherry harvest, and cut firewood. She spent time photographing flowers, playing her electronic horn and enjoy the natural beauty around her. Between all this she would spend time tending to her worship garden full of flowers and of course loving and spoiling her pets.

After the passing of her husband, Joan moved back to Nebraska to live with and yes on occasion challenge her family. Although age was gathering, she remained active working building another worship garden and vegetable garden with help from good friends and family. She enjoyed watching rTV shows that followed veterinarians, tow truck operators, science and history. She served her family with meals, doing chores, sharing her wisdom, keeping us prepared, and many payers.

Joan found a new church family at West Way Christian Church. She shared her love of the West Way family and how small group, bible study, and Sunday services grew her understanding and knowledge. She enjoyed her time with her church family and felt a warmth of support and love. She would share how it was a blessing to her that so many knowledgeable faithful people where around her and inspired her. Joan was very thankful for the church family in Washington and at West way and she was always looking for ways to serve as she felt she received more blessings than she gave.

Joan left our world and is now in the company of angels. May her life inspire us and challenge us to join in her examples of service love and seeking so we to may join her.

Her memorial service will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 10 am at West Way Christian Church with Pastor Joe Petersen officiating. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for family. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with services.