Stella J. "Joey" Smith, 39, died September 7, 2024, in South Hutchinson. She was born August 24, 1985, in Pratt, to Paul T. "Tom" and Judith A. (Pearce) Smith.

Joey graduated from Nickerson High School in 2004. She worked as a Lead Teacher at Hadley Day Care Center, taking care of children was her passion and treated them as her own. Joey loved to watch races and Chiefs football. She spent time playing the Wii with her sons, dancing and listening to country music. Joey loved being around her family, especially her grandson, Paxton.

Joey is survived by: sons; Payton Ingham (Lacy Stewart), Tucker Ingham; grandson, Paxton Ingham, all of Hutchinson; sisters, Holly (Jason Adkinson) McCrory, April (CJ) Higgins, all of Hutchinson, Heather (Aaron) Nelson of Nickerson, Bobbie (Robb Conner) Lamb of Wichita, Ashley Smith of Topeka; brother, Mike Smith, of Hutchinson; nieces and nephews, Mason, Mylee, Liliana, Bryar, Addrick, Atton, Jason, Jew, Samantha, Christin, Braxton, Isy, Kenny and Todd; many friends and her daycare family.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Jason Smith; niece, Hadley Nelson.

Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary. Luncheon will follow at Hadley Day Care Center, 1010 E. 5th, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday until the day of the service. Cremation has taken place.

Click here to view the Celebration of Life for Stella J. "Joey" Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Stella J. "Joey" Smith Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.  To benefit the Stella J. "Joey" Smith Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.