Joan Alice Smith was born August 9, 1928 to Harry and Clara McCullough in Racine Wis.
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and former registered nurse, Joan passed gracefully August 26, 2008 after her courageous six-week battle with thyroid cancer.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister, husband and former Carson City schoolteacher, Bill Owen Smith.
Joan is survived by her eight children, daughters Marcy Lankert, Dr. Jennifer Minnis, Bonnie Wright, Mary Shuler and Nancy Meesey and sons Owen Smith and Tommy Smith.
Joan led a life marked with compassion, optimism, love and gratitude. She was an inspiring example of grace and dignity throughout her life and even in her death with her reassuring words, "I'm putting it all in the Lord's hands."
Family and friends attended a memorial service for Joan on Sunday August 31, in Cabool. Mo.
Monetary donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Research, or HOPE Worldwide.