Joan Von Gruenigen

Published 10:13 am Friday, March 28, 2025

On Monday, November 25, 1929, Joan Von Gruenigen was born to Roland & Clara Ella (Camenisch) Von Gruenigen at Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford, Kentucky. Joan grew up in Lincoln County, Kentucky, and graduated from Stanford High School in 1948. After high school graduation, she attended Centre College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1952. Joan attended the University of Louisville on a Ford Foundation Fellowship, graduating in 1954 with a master’s degree in education. Following graduate school, Joan married Mayo Yates Smith on August 3, 1954. To this union, two daughters were born, Elisabeth Ellen Smith and Janet Margaret Smith. Mayo & Joan spent 38 years together before his passing on March 28, 1993. Joan worked in early childhood education for 42 years as a public-school teacher and a nursery school director. After returning to Kentucky, Joan worked as the Boyle County Children’s Librarian and finished her teaching career in 1996 at Stanford Elementary School. After retirement, Joan served as an officer for the Lincoln County Educational Fund and served as a Kentucky nursing home Ombudsman. Joan was an active member of Stanford Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon and was active in the Presbyterian Women’s organization. Joan was an avid gardener and previous member of the Stanford Garden Club. She was also an Audubon bird counter, member of the Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, member of the Lincoln County Historical Society, and member of Lincoln County Farm Bureau. Joan was a dedicated letter writer. After living a long, complete life, Joan Von Gruenigen Smith passed peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Joan was truly a servant leader. Joan leaves behind two daughters, Elisabeth Ellen Smith (Sarah M. Lowe) of Lexington, Kentucky, and Janet Smith Nustad of Stanford; three grandchildren, Jacob Eric Nustad-Peluso (Angelina) of Duluth, Minnesota, Rachel Elisabeth Nustad (Branden Nation) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Simon Mayo Lowe of Bloomington, Indiana; four great-grandchildren, River Nustad-Peluso, Remi Nation, Theia Nation, and North Nustad-Peluso; and numerous friends who mourn her passing. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Mayo Yates Smith; and parents, Roland Albert & Clara Ella (Camenisch) Von Gruenigen. A Public Visitation will be held 5-7PM Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Fox & Friend Funeral Home. A Second Public Visitation will be held 10AM-11AM Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Stanford Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00AM Thursday, at the church. Mike Taylor & Rev. Brad Napier will officiate the service. Private Burial will be in Buffalo Springs Cemetery. Memorial Contributions suggested to the Lincoln County Educational Fund, P.O. Box 423, Stanford, KY 40484; or Stanford Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 180, Stanford, KY 40484. The family would like to give a special thank you to Heritage Hospice & CenterWell Home Health for the exceptional care they provided Joan in her final days here on Earth. Fox & Friend Funeral Home, Stanford, is entrusted with Joan’s arrangements. Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.