Joan “Jodi” H. Smith

The family of Joan ‘Jodi’ H. Smith is saddened to announce her passing on December 16, 2024, at the age of 75. She was a lifelong resident of Sheridan County, having grown up on Ash Creek, then residing in Ranchester, Dayton and finally Sheridan. A celebration of life will be held at the Bethesda Worship Center at 10am on Thursday, January 2, 2025, with Pastor Scott Lee officiating. Sheridan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jodi was born the 9th of 12 children to Franklin ‘Orr’ and Dema Baker in Sheridan, WY. She was so proud to be a part of the Baker clan, and she loved her siblings dearly. She attended the one-room schoolhouse on Ash creek until the family moved to Ranchester when she was in the 6th grade. She then attended Tongue River schools.

Jodi had her four sons (Darrell, Warren, Kyle and Kevin) before marrying Tom Smith. Together, they had their daughter, Pamela. Tom then adopted the boys, and he and Jodi raised their family in Dayton and later Sheridan. Tom and Jodi later divorced. Jodi’s children and grandchildren were the light of her life!

Jodi held many positions throughout her life. She was a natural leader with a servant’s heart. In her younger years, she worked at Tongue River High School. While there, she enjoyed leading the TRHS drill and cheer teams. She also helped grow the Boy Scouts, Little Guy Football and Sheridan Rec baseball in the Tongue River valley. Jodi later worked for RENEW, then served as the Director of the Sheridan Easter Seals, and was eventually the CEO of Jodi’s Heart. Helping others, especially those with disabilities, was her life’s passion. Many years of her life were spent volunteering her time to the Wyoming Society for Crippled Children and later Our Camp.

Family was everything to Jodi, and she had a way of making everyone feel like they were a part of hers. Attending church at Bethesda, crafting/baking with her sisters, and cheering for her kids and grandkids were a few of her favorite things.

Jodi is survived by her children Darrell (Billie) Smith, Kyle (Desree) Smith, Kevin (Lacey) Smith and Pamela (Colin) Peldo; her grandchildren Michael Carter, Danny Neff, Chad Johnson, Marissa (Matt) Overton, Madison Smith, Kaden Smith, Jamie Campbell, Paris (Noah) Copeland, Bridger Peldo, Fischer Peldo; her great-grandchildren Brooklynn, Braxton, Blakely, Saige, Journey; her siblings Mary Jean Roush, Wayne Baker, Patsy Roush, Dennis Baker, Nancy McIntyre, Shirley (Bill) Allen and Larry (Josanne) Baker; and her best friend of 52 years, Betty Hart.

Jodi was preceded in death by her son Warren, her parents, her siblings Beverly, Gary, Linda and Elizabeth and her grandson Colton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the Billie J Schott Smith Medical Fund FBO Darrell Smith at Cowboy State Bank. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.