Linda (Joyce) Smith Athey, 73, Eudora died on Tuesday morning Feb. 21, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Ottawa, KS, on April 19, 1943 the daughter of Paul C. and Sylvia Smith. She graduated from Lawrence High School.
Joyce was a volunteer at LMH. She met James Lee Athey, They were married on November 20, 1962. He survives of the home.
She worked for a period of time for Jane Bateman as a drapery maker. She also worked at Davol Inc., were she worked on the Sani-Spec line for 13 years. She enjoyed baking, crocheting and sewing. Joyce also enjoyed spending time with her church family. She was an avid reader of the bible and many different commentaries. She loved her church family greatly. She also helped serve dinner for L.I.N.K. for the homeless at First Christian Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter Lisa Dawn Athey.
Joyce is survived by her husband James, son Shawn and wife Melissa, daughters Gwen and husband Bill Mallot, Alexia and husband Paul Maben. Six grandchildren; Tabitha, Dianna, Jessica, Collyn, Alexis and Darrell; sister Annie (Elaine) Hetschel, AZ; brother Steven D. Smith, WA.
A visitation will take place Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 am Friday, February 24, 2017, at Southside Church of Christ, following the services will be the graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery. Dinner will follow back at the church.
We would like to thank LMH pain and palliative care services, Intensive care unit/ 2 East, many doctors, and Grace Hospice for the merciful care provided to Joyce in her time of need.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Memorial Hospital ICU Unit or Grace Hospice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.
