Joyce Lavern Kitterman Smelser entered heaven at her daughter’s home in Poplar Bluff, MO, on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the age of 93. Joyce was born January 14, 1933, in Grandin, MO, to the late Benjamin and Nola McDowell Kitterman. She married Charles Milton Smelser on July 6, 1949.

Joyce worked beside her husband on the family farm until he became ill. Then she worked in the library at the Grandin School for several years. A woman of great faith, she attended the Grandin Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School in the past. She loved working outside and was known for her beautiful flowers. It made her happy that so many people enjoyed driving by her hillside and seeing all the beautiful flowers she had planted.

Joyce is survived by her children, Charles Smelser Jr., of Alamogordo, NM, Nellie Koch (Tim) of Sikeston, MO, Sarah Glidewell (Randy) of Poplar Bluff, MO. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Dan Smelser (Melinda), Noy Amison (Brandon), Joyce Denton (Richie), Charles Smelser, III (Desirae), Emily Shields (Ryan), Stephen Koch (Diedra), and Amanda Turley (Kyle). She is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Bob Kitterman, and sisters, Lucille Kempfer and Eulah Emmons. Also preceding her in death was her granddaughter, Rebecca Daigle, great-grandson, Michael Smith, and daughter-in-law, Sangium (Nit) Smelser.

A graveside service will be held at Shiloh Cemetery on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Dan Townsend officiating. Memorials can be made to Shiloh Cemetery Fund at the Bank of Grandin or Grandin Methodist Church in Grandin, MO.