Wilma "Joy" (Klima) Smith

Obituary of Wilma Joy Smith

             Wilma “Joy” Smith, the daughter of William Klima and Myrtle L. (Chapman) Klima was born November 17, 1945 in Belleville, Kansas and passed away June 17, 2026 at the age of 80.

            Joy graduated from Belleville High School in 1963.   She graduated from the Hutchinson School of Business.   She worked at the Republic County Hospital front desk for many years and enjoyed visiting with patients and family members.    Joy was able to start a bookstore in Belleville with her Daughter, Rita Mudd, which brought them great pride and happiness.

            She was married to Wilman Gene Smith who passed away April 10, 2006.

            Joy was a member of Belleville Wesleyan Church in Belleville, KS for many years.    She loved to deliver Meals on Wheels and helping others in need.

            Joy was preceded in death by her parents, William Klima and Myrtle Klima Thompson, her stepfather, Max Thompson;  daughters Rita Mudd, Rana Trost, and stepchildren Steve Smith, Pam Smith, and Debbie Culp; grandchildren, Jeremy Doty and Kristi Morley.

            Joy is survived by daughters, Shawna Oliver (Harold) of Riley;  son-in-law, Jeff Mudd of Belleville; brother Darrel Klima (Marcia) of Belleville; niece, Kimberly Snow Allison and nephew Justin Klima, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, lots of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

           Her great grandfather, Conrad Myers, was the first permanent white settler of Republic County.   His wife, Lydia Shefer Myers, would feed the Indians that came to their door begging for food.    She would cut slices of bread with molasses to give them. 

            Joy loved God, her family and friends…she would do anything for them.   She loved flowers, butterflies, and she was happiest when she was crocheting baby blankets for family and friends.  Joy loved to visit with anyone and happy to have company stop by to say hi.

            Visitation and viewing will be held at Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 1 PM until 7 PM at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville.   The family will greet friends beginning at 5 PM.  

            Funeral services will follow at 6:00 PM with Pastor Mark McGregor, officiating.    The family will greet friends following the services.

            Family interment will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Zion Cemetery, rural Belleville, Kansas.

            Memorials are suggested to the Belleville Public Library or the Belleville Wesleyan Church and may be left at the funeral home.

            Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com

            Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322, 19th St, Belleville, KS is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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