JoAnn V. Smith

JoAnn V. Smith, a beloved member of the Ransomville, NY community, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Born on December 6, 1942, in Nyack, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harry F. and Izora O. (née White) Kneeppel.

JoAnn married the love of her life, Donald J. Smith, on February 18, 1961. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage until Donald’s passing in December 2021. Their journey together was filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family.

A woman of many passions, JoAnn found joy in tending to her flower gardens, camping in the Adirondacks and Catskills, and celebrating 25 Kingdom Bound Festivals at Darien Lake. She was an animal lover, especially fond of her kitties, and treasured time spent with her grandchildren, who meant the world to her. Known as “Mom” and “Grandma” to many beyond her immediate family, JoAnn’s warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. JoAnn loved the Lord. She was a member of RiverLife Chapel in Youngstown, NY since 2014. JoAnn’s kindness, devotion, and love will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

She is reunited in peace with her parents, her beloved husband, and dear siblings: Virgil (late Mary) Neadow, Sr., Harry (Betty) Kneeppel, Jr., and Lamont (late Karen) Kneeppel. She is also predeceased by her caring niece, Judith Kneeppel, and nephew, Marvin Kneeppel.

JoAnn is survived by her loving children, Yvonne L. (George) Maracle, Donald J. (Patti-Jo) Smith, Jr., Dennis D. Smith, and William Smith; cherished grandchildren, Kaila Smith, Dylan (Amanda) Smith, Hailey (Anthony) Marino, and Heather (Jamarr) Smith; and adored great-grandchildren, Carmen, Vanessah, Lilly, Michael, Giovanni, Oliver, Beverly, and Finnian. She is also remembered by her extended family of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hardison Funeral Homes, Inc., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, NY 14131.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate JoAnn’s life at a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1 PM at Tuscarora Mission, 5035 Walmore Road, Sanborn, NY, officiated by Rev. Donald Robinson. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in JoAnn’s memory to the Tuscarora Mission.

Condolences may be shared at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com