Joyce Fitch

Joyce Fitch, 99, passed from this life October 1, 2025 in Fort Smith. She was born July 14, 1926 in Kalamazoo, MI to the late Bert Edward Merchant and Helena Elizabeth (Cook) Merchant.

Joyce was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and she enjoyed crocheting, helping the sick, watching kids, and she also was a Girl Scout Leader.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Junior Eugene Fitch; her sons, Arthur and Arnold Fitch; great-granddaughter Colleen Rose Villwock; and her five siblings.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Wendy Howerton and husband Carl, of Alma, AR; her son, Wayne Fitch of Fort Smith; nine grandchildren, Christy Fitch, Jake Fitch, Heather Dunham and husband Eric, Brandy Villwock and husband Adam, Tara Fitch, Shawnn Howerton and wife Jamie, Bryan Howerton and wife Brittany, Keith Fitch and wife Jennifer, and Kevin Fitch and wife Terra; seventeen great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday October 8, 2025, from 5 – 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Thursday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Shawnn Howerton, Keith Fitch, Bryan Howerton and Kevin Fitch. Honorary pallbearers will be her other grandchildren and all of her great- grandchildren.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com