It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Joyce Elizabeth Smith of Sun City, AZ — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of her story.
Joyce held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Joyce's was one.
Joyce was born to Peary Fredrick Farester and Lucille Elizabeth (Binder) Farester in Kittanning PA on August 28, 1940 as the oldest child of 7 children. She graduated from Ford City High School in 1958 and attended Indiana University of PA. Joyce married Kenneth Sloniger, and they had two sons, Peary (Bud) and Thomas.In 1990 she married Ed Smith and they remained together until Ed’s death in 2017. She was employed for many years as a bookkeeper for Jerome Gibson & Stewart. Joyce was an avid photographer, and Ed loved to travel, so they had multiple adventures traveling around the world. She was always busy with projects around the house, gardening, and getting together with friends and family. She doted after her two cats. Joyce was an active member of St. Elizabeth Seton Ann Catholic Church in Sun City.She was preceded in death by her parents Peary and Lucille Farester, sister Shirley Lukehart, brothers Peary F. Farester, Jr. and John Farester, husband Ed Smith and former husband Ken Sloniger.Joyce was survived by sons Peary and Thomas Sloniger, Daughter In Law Diane Sloniger, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, One Sister, Alison Lasher, and two brothers Richard Farester and Frank Farester. numerous nieces and nephews, as well as stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren.Donations in Joyce’s honor can be made to the Arizona Humane Society.
