Joyce Groves Staples

SMITHFIELD – Our loving mother died peacefully Feb. 23, 2022, at Franklin Memorial Hospital with her children by her side. Joyce was born Feb. 17, 1935, the daughter of Robert W. Groves and Fern E. Crabtree of Smithfield. She graduated in 1953 from Williams High School, Oakland Maine. Joyce was a 69-year member of the grange and a member of the Smithfield Baptist church. She worked at the Smithfield Elementary School for the beginning start of the breakfast program. She was a ballot clerk and volunteered at the library. Joyce married Roger Staples on October 10, 1975, together they enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and just being together. They were known for their huge vegetable gardens, fruits, and maple syrup. Everything was always home made and from their crop. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Joyce was always known for her cooking and putting on huge gatherings for family and friends and cooking for the Town of Smithfield events. Joyce also enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, and quilting. Joyce was proud of her community and touched the lives of so many people. Joyce along with Roger co-founded the Smithfield Historical House in 2009 which was an original Groves house. They enjoyed the ancestry and the members. She leaves behind her beloved husband Roger of Smithfield, and her four children: Daniel Charles (Becky Peace) of Mercer, Raymond and Maryellen Charles of Mercer, Nancy and Wayne French of Belgrade, and Susan Nutter of Belgrade, and her black lab, Heidi Ho. Stepchildren: Lloyd Staples of Dorchester, Mass., Stephen Staples of Damariscotta. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Danielle Charles, William Charles, Michaela Charles, Jessica Hartley, Amy French, Chase Nutter, Desmond Nutter, and Reid Nutter. Step grandchildren: Timothy, Justin, and Rebecca Staples. Great grandchildren: Trevor Carlow, Emma Brann, Wade Hartley, Sara Hartley, and Audrey Laporte. Joyce was predeceased by her parents and brother, Robert Groves and sister, Blanche Gerstein. A grandson, Jason Charles, Son-in-law, Tim Nutter, and stepson, Timothy Staples. We would like to thank Smithfield Fire and Rescue, Delta, life flight, Maine Medical Center in Portland, and Franklin Memorial Hospital. Burial will be in the Spring. A quote taken from her senior yearbook, “Fight to the finish and never give in” and that is what she did. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home http://www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in her honor to the Smithfield Fire and Rescue Assoc, 926 Village Rd, Smithfield, ME 04978.