Joyce Elaine Hurd, 80, of Republic, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Friday March 27^th, 2026, after a long illness which she battled courageously.

Joyce was born on April 10, 1945, in Whittier, California to Lester and Jeanette Smith. The family of 6 settled in North Springfield, Joyce attended Strafford schools until  graduation in 1963. In the fall of 1963 Joyce met the love of her life, Allen Hurd, and they were married on November 27, 1964 in Galloway, Missouri with Garnie Hurd officiating.

 Joyce was a cashier at Consumer’s Market and then went on to work at Royal McBee typewriters. Joyce worked at Royal with her mother-in-law, sister-in-law Linda, best friend Donna, and became best friends with Ruth Cornelison while working together.  Each of these women would help shape her life and be important to Joyce as lifelong friends.

Joyce and Allen traveled all over the United States, their favorite places to visit were Tennessee and Florida.  The pair traveled to Florida every year for their anniversary until health issues made it difficult to make the trip. Joyce loved looking at photos and videos from every trip the family made and telling all about where they were and what was going on.  Joyce loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, especially Allen. Joyce and Allen spent time taking Grandkids to Six Flags, Silver Dollar City and on any adventure, they could come up with. Joyce was always ready to lend a helping hand and take care of anyone who needed TLC, that was her caring nature and pure heart.

Joyce previously attended Charity Baptist Church in Springfield, before health issues made it difficult to attend. Joyce helped with Bible School and sang in the choir when able. Joyce was a confessed Christian and loved the Lord with all her heart.

Joyce was a patient, kind, loving, gentle person with a heart of solid gold. People who met her instantly loved her.  Joyce developed a passion for Kansas City Chiefs Football, and watching Caitlin Clark play in the WNBA for the Indiana Fever. She was always ready for a good ball game and definitely let you know if she didn’t agree with the call. Mother- daughter bonding over football was a regular occurrence any day the Chiefs played. If they couldn’t be with each other while watching, they talked on the phone while watching, discussing every play and penalty.

Joyce never missed an opportunity to tell people they were important to her, and she loved with all her might. Joyce will be missed by her family every day.

Joyce is preceded in death by her mother and father, Lester and Jeanette Smith, mother and father-in-law Emmagene and Garnie Hurd, sisters Joan Layton and Judy George, brother Larry Smith and her beloved daughter Missy Montgomery.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 61 years, Allen Hurd. Daughter Alana, Granddaughter Morgan Scott and her husband Wyatt Scott. Grandson Drew Thieman, Grandsons Dominic and Coen Montgomery and their dear parents Jeff and Kayla Montgomery, Great grandchildren Addison and Lucas Thieman.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce’s family ask that donations be made to the person’s favorite charity. Some of Joyce’s favorites were St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks