Joyce Earline Smithson
The morning of Nov. 5, 2015, Joyce passed away at St. Peters Hospital in Helena, Mt. Joyce was 71 years old.
Joyce Smithson was born on June 1, 1944 in Joplin, Missouri to Earl & Maude Johnson. She was the only daughter out of 5 children.
Joyce and Steve got married on June 2, 1963; they adopted three girls on August 29, 1983. They had their hands full with three kids now in Baxter Springs, KS then moved to Denver, Co. Then moved to Battle Ground, WA in 1988 were they watched there girls grow up and have kids of their own. Joyce volunteered with SCC for about 26 years. Then they both moved to Townsend MT in October 2014. Joyce and Steve have been living there for a little over a year.
Joyce really enjoyed watching scary movies and eating popcorn with her daughters. She would have to pause the movies so her kids could line up to use the bathroom because they were so scared.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one grandchild. She is survived by her husband, Steve Smithson; daughters and sons-in-law, Rachel and Tyler Helgerson, Kim and Dan Arnold, Stephanie and Michael Braden; four grandkids, Seth and Angelina Helgerson, Cheyanne and Corinna Arnold and one great granddaughter Dykota Horst; one brother, Paul Johnson; two brothers-in-law Bill and Jack Smithson.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13th at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway, Townsend. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Alliance Bible Church, 110 E Street, Townsend. A graveside service will follow the funeral service at Deep Creek Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall of the church. In lieu of flowers memorials in Joyce’s name are suggested to the Alliance Bible Church Missions, PO Box 1337 Townsend, MT 59644 or Second Chance Companions, PO Box 2343 Battle Ground, WA 98604.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 14, 2015
Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 14, 2015
Deep Creek Cemeter
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday November 14, 2015
Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 14, 2015
Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 14, 2015
Deep Creek Cemeter
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday November 14, 2015
Alliance Bible Church
110 E Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Carolyn chapman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Smithson family at this time.
Maureen Westphal says
My condolences to you, Steve, and your family. May your beautiful memories bring you peace, and comfort you! I will always remember Joyce’s twinkling eyes; quiet, happy laugh; welcoming smile; gift for conversation; fondness of kitties; and joyful, beaming countenance when she spoke of her family. Joyce was a beautiful person, and I will miss her. Maureen, YMCA Pool Buddy
Denise Heindel says
Joyce was the most beautiful and loving person I have ever met. I miss her so much, but find peace in knowing all the creatures she cared for when no one else would are with her now. Denise Heindel, SCC
Judy Nuttman says
I will always remember Joyce’s pink rosy cheeks, her happy laugh, that beautiful smile and those twinkling eyes when she spoke of her family. She had so much compassion for all those kitties. Joyce was a beautiful, loving, compassion person, and I will miss her so much.
Keeping you, Steve and your family in my prayers…. Judy, YMCA POOL Buddy/Friend
Stephanie Braden says
Mamma (Joyce Smithson) had a heart of gold bigger than life itself!
I love and miss you mamma!
katrina says
she was a very special lady she loved & enjoyed everyone & everything i’m proud she was in my life i don’t think
she had a mean bone in her body she will be missed RIP little lady
Amber Crause says
I will alway remember how happy you were. And when Seth would come to visit and follow me around wanting to see the animals, mostly the reptiles. You were sure he was pestering me, but I was always happy to do so when I had extra time, and then you guys would make me some cookies. I always appreciated how detected you were to the kittys you fostered and the ones at petsmart. I thought of you often after Steve and you moved to MT. Prayers for your loved ones, rest in peace, you were already an angel, you just gained your wings now!
LaVerne Locey says
I had already gotten used to not having Joyce in my daily life once she moved to Montana but I have missed her every day. She put up a brave and valiant fight against the Big C and I think she lasted much longer than most of the rest of us would due to her determination. Joyce was an inspiration to me – she never complained about how she felt, she just kept on being a champion to the animals that needed her. I am sure that she is on the other side, surrounded by cats (that don’t need their litter scooped) and dogs (that don’t need walked) and loving every minute of it despite the fact that I know she felt there were things here that she needed to take care of before she went..
Pat Collins says
Joyce, I am so sorry for your passing , but I know you are in a wonderful place. My condolences to Steve and your family I know you are missed . We sure missed you and Steve when you moved to Mt .I am so glad you spent this last year with your family and kittens in your new home. what a wonderful person you were and I know if there is an animal Heaven , I know you have found it and it has found you. Love to you and your loving family. Pat Collins (at the Vancouver Y MCA Steve you take care,We all love and miss you. Racheal it was a pleasure meeting you.
Stephanie says
Hi mamma, it’s almost been 4 years since you have passed. I love and miss you so much.
Stephanie says
I visited you on 1/18/2020 mamma. I love and miss you so very much. Rachel, Seth, and angel were with me and instead of crying we laughed at all the good memories we have of you. I will visit again next year. Love you mamma.
Stephanie says
Happy mother’s day mamma. I love and miss you so much!!
Stephanie says
Hi mamma. It’s been five years since you have passed. Daddy’s not doing good. I wish he would just let go so he wouldn’t have to worry about who we are when we visit him. I’m not trying to be mean but I hate seeing him hurt so much. I love you and miss you so very much.
Stephanie says
Hi mamma, give daddy lots of hugs and kisses from me. I love and miss you so much.