Joan was born in Michigan City, Indiana on October 22, 1928 to the late William and Edith (Lemons) Helmken. Indiana is where Joan met her husband, the late Harry Smith, and they married on September 3, 1955. The couple were married for 54 years before Harry's passing in 2009. Joan was an LPN and after moving to Ohio she became the foundational support for her husband and her children's endeavors. Joan was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and the Welcome In Sunday School class. Joan will be remembered as a sweet and sassy wife, mother, aunt, and friend who loved her gin and tonics.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Daisy Helmken, and her nephew, Edward Helmken.
Joan is survived by her three children: Diane Smith, Timothy Smith, and Debra Smith; nephew, Stephen (Alice) Helmken, great-niece, Lisa (Jake) Hill and their son, Gavin, and great-nephew, Eric Helmken.
The Smith family would like to send a special Thank You to Crossroads Hospice, the Trinity church family, and all their friends for their support and compassion.
Calling hours will be held at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services for Joan will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11:00 am with Reverend Andrew Taylor-Peck and Pastor Nick Nicholson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.karlofh.com for the Smith family.
