Joyce Lavern Smelser Obituary

In loving memory of Joyce Lavern Smelser (Doniphan, Missouri), who departed this world on February 9, 2026 at the age of 93. Joyce leaves behind a legacy remembered by family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Benjamin Kitterman and Nola McDowell Kitterman; her husband Charles Milton Smelser; her siblings, Bob Kitterman, Lucille Kempfer and Eulah Emmons; her granddaughter Rebecca Daigle; her great grandchild Michael Smith; and her daughter-in-law Sangium Smelser (Nit).

She is survived by: her children, Charles Smelser Jr. of Alamogordo, NM, Nellie Koch (Tim) of Sikeston, MO and Sarah Glidewell (Randy) of Poplar Bluff, MO.; and 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.

Memorials can be made to Shiloh Cemetery Fund at the Bank of Grandin or Grandin Methodist Church in Grandin, MO.