Joyce (Smith) Garland was born July 24, 1945, to Earl and Philomine Smith in Staples, Minnesota. She graduated from Staples High School in1963. Following graduation she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she worked at Northwestern National Bank doing microfilming. In 1965 she was united in marriage to Larry Garland, they made their home in Slayton Minnesota where Larry taught school and Joyce worked for the Murray County Assessor. She then had daycare in her home so she could be home with their three children. Following that, she worked part time at the Slayton High School for over 20 years and the Murray County News for over 30 years. She was a member of the Assembly of God church for over 40 years where she served in many roles including but not limited to: Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, Women’s Ministries Leader and Youth Group Advisor. She and Larry opened their home and hosted Bible study and Youth Group on Sunday nights as well to many missionaries when they were speaking at the church. When the Assembly of God Church closed their doors, she became a member of the Lake Sarah Baptist Church until her death. Joyce served as Girl Scout Leader and held many different positions in the Christian Women’s Club Stonecroft Ministries. She enjoyed playing scrabble for over 50 years with her best friend Elonne. She also enjoyed playing cards (especially hand and foot) with family and friends, doing jig saw puzzles, crossword puzzles, reading and cross stitch. Joyce passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 81 years old.
She is survived by her children: Michael (Deanne) Garland Spirit Lake, IA, Debra (Jeff) Copple, Idaho Falls ID. and Diane Scarset, Slayton, MN; seven grandchildren: Michael (Stephanie) Garland Jr., Cory (Morgan) Garland and Zachary (Rachel) Garland, Kristi (Logan) Pederson, Tony (Fatima) Stomberg, Austin (Galiya) Scarset and Chantel Scarset; greatgrandchildren: Nathaniel and Kayden Garland, Jemma, Jacoba, Amelia and River Garland, Arkin Pederson, Elijah and Judah Scarset and Alya Stomberg; sisters: Mary Heltemes, Karen (Harold) Duda, Claudia Craft: George Smith and Greg (Becky) Smith: sisters in law: Nancy Foundray and Kathy Garland, brother in law William Garland; many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Garland, her parents Earl and Philomine Smith; brothers Dennis Smith and Gene Smith; sister Mikki Smith; brothers in law: Matt Heltemes, Ray Garland, Herb Garland and Cloyce Grohdahl; sisters in law: Helen Garland, Janet Grondahl, Sharon Garland and Darlene Smith; grandson Daniel Garland and angel granddaughter Scarset.
Memorial Services were at Lake Sarah Baptist Church in rural Slayton, MN on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Kory Tedrick officiating. Interment will be private.
Visitation was on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Lake Sarah Baptist Church from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Saturday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements.
