Joan Marilyn Smith McGlothlin, 94, of Holland

Joan Marilyn Smith McGlothlin, 94, of Holland, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, during the Easter season she cherished so deeply. 

Born in Holland, Indiana, on October 18, 1931, to Leander and Gertrude (Meyer) Smith, Joan lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She married Lowell E. McGlothlin on August 23, 1953, at St. James Lutheran Church, where together they built a loving family and strong Christian home. 

Joan was a devoted mother to Scott of rural Dale and Reid (Gretchen) of Carmel; a proud 

grandmother to Hunter and Jake of rural Dale, and Chelsea (John) of Indianapolis; and a loving great-grandmother to Jack, Clark, and Bonnie. 

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell, on August 7, 1995; her sister, Mary Jane Smith Himsel (John); sister-in-law, Darlene Smith (David); and niece, Natalie Jo Smith. She is survived by her brother, David Smith, and sister, Nancy (Bill) Leonard.  

A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Joan faithfully served her church family for decades. She taught Sunday School for sixty years, played piano, sang in the Senior Choir, and gave generously of her time and creativity through church decorating and parish committees.  She lovingly designed many of the church banners displayed through the years. 

Her gifts extended beyond the church walls. Joan was active in local community life, serving as a Cub Scout and Webelos Den Mother, occasionally umpiring Little League baseball games, and working for many years at Holland Dairy as an Administrative Assistant. 

Joan also had a deep love for sewing, one of her lifelong passions. She lovingly created many of her own clothes and sewed treasured quilts for those she loved. 

Her kindness, warmth, unwavering faith, and servant’s heart touched countless lives. Her legacy of love, music, service, and family devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her. 

It is especially fitting that she was called home during the Easter season, a time of hope, faith, and resurrection that was so close to her heart. 

She now rests in the peace and promise of her risen Savior. 

Funeral services for Joan McGlothlin will be held at 12:00 p.m., E.D.T., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland.  Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery.  Pastor Daniel Landin will officiate the service. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., E.D.T, on Tuesday, prior to the service at the church.  Rainey Funeral Home in Dale has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holland Park, PO Box 2, Holland, Indiana 47541, to help renovate the McGlothlin basketball court.  Condolences may be shared online at: www.raineyfuneralhome.com