Joyce Beatty Smith

Joyce Marilyn Smith, 87, of Scio, passed away March 2, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born January 5, 1939, in Scio, she was a 1957 graduate of Scio High School and completed the Cadet Teacher Program at Ohio University. She began her career in elementary education and, after marrying Airman Frederick “Don” Smith in 1961, lived in several states as an Air Force wife. She later returned to teaching and retired in 1998.

Joyce loved reading and specialized in teaching children to read. She enjoyed quilting, making one for each grandchild, and served for many years as the local Salvation Army contact. She and Don also enjoyed camping and traveling, spending winters in Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alice (Merkle) Beatty; and brother, James Beatty (Arlene).

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Don; children Jeffery Smith, Diane Kidd (James), and James Smith; siblings Richard Beatty (Suzy) and Carole Krieg (Gary); grandchildren Crystal Bean (Justin), Brandon Smith (Jessica), Alexandra Smith (Sam), Alisha Hall (Kyle), Olivia Smith, and Ryan Kidd; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Saturday, March 7, 2026, noon–2 p.m., Koch Funeral Home, Scio, with funeral services immediately following. With a private burial at a later date.