Joan Carol Smith

Joan Carol (Schmidt) Smith – Age 88 of Newton, Iowa passed away on March 30, 2025 at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa.

Joan was born on December 1, 1936, in Baxter, Iowa to John and Beulah (Patterson) Schmidt. On July 1, 1956 she was united in marriage to Bert W. Smith in Baxter, Iowa. Joan and Bert were blessed with two children, Mary and Marty. They loved supporting their children and were extremely involved in their activities growing up. An even greater pleasure for both was the opportunity to support their grandchildren – Brian, Stacey, Carter and Cole. They loved taking them to the Iowa State Fair every year and being there for all their activities.

Joan retired from the Maytag Company after thirty-two years in the Purchasing Department.

The youngest of 11 children, Joan was loved by so many people. Through her years at Maytag, following her children in school functions and activities, and most recently her time at Park Centre, she developed so many wonderful friends that will miss her dearly.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Mary Smith; son, Marty (Tonya) Smith; grandchildren, Brian, Stacey, Carter, Cole, and a great granddaughter, Gabby Jo. Her sisters-in-law, Janice Schmidt, and Helen Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews and wonder friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; her parents; her brothers, John Jr, Charles, Leland, Richard, Eugene, and Larry Schmidt; and sisters, Leona Fahrney, Nadine Dee, Esther Shattuck, and Maggie Swalwell.

Special thanks to Danny Meyer for making the urn that Joan wanted to be buried in. It was made from the wood of a church pew that came out of the Baxter Congregational Church. Also, a heart felt thank you to all the Park Centre Staff and Wesley Life Hospice Group for all the special care and support they gave Joan over the years.

Joan was active in many functions and groups and enjoyed supporting the Community. She volunteered at the Skiff Hospital Gift Shop where she was a Buyer, The Jasper County Historical Museum, Hospice, various Park Centre committees and was an active member of the Baxter Congregational Church where she served on several groups. She also enjoyed her time line-dancing with her friends after she retired.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2025, at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday. A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the funeral home Facebook page. Joan would be honored if you would provide a Memorial contribution in her honor to one of these groups: Jasper County Historical Museum or the Baxter Congregational Church.

Mary, Marty, Tonya, Brian, Stacey, Carter and Cole….. Always know my life has been full of love, laughter, fun and wonderful memories because of all of you.

Thank you and love you all.