Joan Smith

Joan Smith, 77, of Quincy, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Quincy Senior and Health Care in Quincy, IL.
Joan was born June 13, 1948, in Quincy, IL to Hubert Jr. and Verna (Logsdon) Felker.
A proud graduate of Quincy High School, class of 1966, Joan dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her compassion and empathy touched the lives of many throughout her career in various nursing homes.
Joan had a love for travel, venturing to places like Florida, Maine, San Diego, and Cancun. Her passion for exploration was matched by her love for reading, with a particular fondness for nonfiction and Amish novels. Music was another source of joy for Joan, and she found comfort in the melodies of country music, especially the songs of Kenny Rogers.
In her leisure time, Joan found solace in the simple pleasure of coloring, an activity that brought her peace in her later years. Joan's generosity knew no bounds. She was always the first to offer help or financial support, even if it meant giving away her last dollar. Her selflessness and willingness to put others first will be a legacy that continues to inspire all who knew her.
Survivors include her three children, Dan Ruffcorn of Clayton, IL, Kevin Ruffcorn of Butner, NC, and Amanda Caputo of Rushville, IL; nine grandchildren, Macon Ruffcorn, Julia (Dalton Campbell) Ruffcorn, Jacob (Erica) Ruffcorn, Samuel Ruffcorn, Charisma Washington, Isis Washington, Madison (Mike Johnson) Love, Audrey Love, and Jackson Love; six siblings, Jean Butler (Bob Ruff) of Bowling Green, MO, Roger Felker (Sherry) of Elkhart, TX, Dana Chapman of Plainville, IL, Bruce Felker (Cathie) of Quincy, Judy Jenkins of Quincy, and Sharon Beedle of Quincy; and her dear friend, Lois.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Roger Thies.
Cremation is under the direction of O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home. The family will be hosting a celebration of life on Saturday, January 3, 2025 at 12:00pm at Clayton American Legion (111 S. Park St. Clayton, IL). Inurnment will take place at Benville Cemetery in Baylis, IL at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Transitions of Western Illinois.