Funeral Mass celebrated for Joyce Smith

Joyce E. Smith, 91, of Fayette died Monday, April 1, 2013, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, April 5, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette with the Rev. James Brokman officiating.  

Interment was in the church cemetery. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette handled the arrangements. 

Joyce Elizabeth (Stichler) Smith was born in Dubuque County on May 20, 1921, to George C. and Vera (Scott) Stichler. 

At age 10 she moved to West Union, where she attended school and graduated in 1938. One year of nurses’ college and two years of work followed. 

Joyce’s marriage to Donald A. Smith in May 1941 was blessed with four children.

From 1947 until her death, she resided in Fayette. Joyce loved living in Fayette and the close proximity to friends and church. She loved the outdoors, her home, and spending time with her family. 

Joyce served a term on the Fayette City Council and was a charter member of Big Rock Country Club. She received the “Friend of Education” award in 1980, an “Award of Merit” from Fayette Community School 1958-1984, the “Walker of the Year” award in 1989, and the Citizen’s Award (Fayette) in 1988. 

In addition, Joyce served on the Care Review Committee at Maple Crest for seven years; was a hospice volunteer for six years, for which she was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 1997; served on the Palmer Memorial Foundation Board; and was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette for many years. 

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 1977; a grandson; and a sister, Jannet Francis.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Sue) Smith of Des Moines, Joseph (Pat) Smith of Dunkerton, Julia (Jerry) Geurink of Whitehall, Wis., and Charlene (Ray) Murray of Toledo, Ia.; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.