Joan Marie Smith

Joan Marie (Ritter) Smith, 85, passed away January 15 surrounded by her loving family. She fought hard but finally had to let go after her long battle with cancer. She was born Jan. 14, 1937 the daughter of Alva Ritter and Sarah (Richardson) Ritter.
Joan was a graduate of Ben Davis High School (’55) where she met the love of her life, Robert Smith. She and Bob were married November 5, 1955 and had just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. She was a homemaker to her husband and 3 children to which she taught the meaning of unconditional love everyday with her words and actions.
Surviving Joan are her husband Robert (Bob) Smith and her children: Robert Smith (Sandi), Pam England (Charlie) and Patty Mitchell (Tony).
Joan was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Stephanie (Rob) Shirley, Craig Smith, Allison (Dan) Dillard, Emily England, Megan (Nathan) Caruso-Ashworth and Michael (Rayna) Caruso. The blessings continued with 6 great-grandchildren Olivia Fallon Dillard, Pepper Owen, Lillian Shirley, Corbin Ashworth, Vivienne Shirley and Landon Caruso.
Although not official, Joan was also mom to hundreds of others, from the neighborhood kids, to Girl Scouts and to every friend her children had. Joan and Bob kept a loving home open to all. “Mom” Smith, as she was known to many, also had a place for anyone to stay, an ear to listen or some good advice.
She belonged to the Dew Little’s Homemaker Club. She worked for AT & T after graduation for a short while and then spent all her time devoted to raising her children and later being with her grandchildren. Joan did work a part-time position where she learned to type set and worked at a printing company.
Joan was also a huge Indiana University fan and was able to see many football and basketball games in her lifetime. She was thrilled when the Colts moved to Indianapolis and she was able to enjoy seeing them in person as well. She was also an avid reader and passed her love of reading along through multiple generations. Joan loved to bowl, she was in many leagues and was very good.
Her loving ways will be missed by all.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 4 to 8 pm at Flanner Buchanan-Floral Park. Funeral service will be Friday, January 20, 2022 at 10 at Flanner Buchanan-Floral Park. Burial will follow at Floral Park Cemetery.