Diane Alyce Smith

Ava, Missouri

Diane Alyce Smith passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at her home in Ava, Missouri surrounded by her family.

Diane was born March 11, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1962. She married Alvin Smith on August 5, 1964. She worked at Head Start of Joplin, Carver Nursery and later at Spring River Christian Village in Joplin, MO. She was a member of Spring City Church of Christ. She was a kind and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend to everyone who knew her and loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. She will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her mother Marguerite Owens, husband Alvin, and grandson Zachary Gamble.

Diane is survived by her children, Jennifer Jones Powell, Jonesboro Arkansas, Leanne Hand and husband Preston, Joplin MO, Walt Smith and partner Marsha Hutchison, Ava MO, and Gina Martin, Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Christopher Demery, Moriah Smith, Alexander Martin, Nikolas Martin, Tyson Hand, and Bailey Hains; great grandchildren, Aaden Demery, Eli Demery, Oliver Demery, and Brynlee Rose Smith; her bothers John Owens and Audie Owens; sisters-in-law Kathy Stover and JoAllene Brannon; and best friend Mike Graham.

The family would like to thank Diane's caregiver Nikki, her hospice nurses Norman, Miranda, and Connie, and all of Three Rivers Hospice. A special thank you to Marsha Hutchison for taking the best care of our mother and making her final days peaceful and full of love. We love you.

Celebration of life planned for a later date.

Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava, Missouri per Diane's wishes.