Juanita "Tina" (Royce) Smiley

Juanita “Tina” (Royce) Smiley, 75, North Manchester, passed away on July 13, 2022 at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. The daughter of Raymond and Juanita (Jarman) Royce, Tina was born on February 12, 1947 in Hammond, Indiana.

Tina graduated from Griffith High School in 1965 and shortly after, married the love of her life, William “Bill” Smiley on August 19, 1967. She was a great wife and doted on her husband. The two were often found holding hands and were always looking out for one another. The two would have four children during their marriage, Shawn, Kristina, and twin boys, Jon and Nathan who would unfortunately pass away just a few hours after they were born. Tina held many job titles throughout her life; waitress, life guard, farmer, commercial cleaner, and sales staff at Elder-Beerman; but the titles she was most proud of were wife, mother, and homemaker. Tina and Bill would enjoy more than forty years of marriage before Bill’s passing on December 2, 2008.

Known for her patience and non-judgmental demeanor, Tina was a kind lady who touched many lives. She was adamant about always trying to do the right thing and was strong in her faith. Tina was a huge Elvis Presley fan and a great cook, often providing cookies for an after-school snack. She was hardworking and loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fiercely. Tina was a member of the Sycamore Ridge Chapter of the Embroiders Guild of America and found great pride and enjoyment in her needlework. Many of Tina’s closest friends were made during her time with the EGA. Tina advised everyone to, “Watch out for wildlife and idiots.”

The loving memory of Juanita “Tina” Smiley will be forever cherished by her son, Shawn (Brooke Sommers) Smiley, Fort Wayne; daughter Kristina (Richard Pierson) Smiley, North Manchester; brother, Lewis (Alice Beth) Royce, Maryville, Tennessee; sister, Margaret Royce Galvin, Hammond; grandchildren, Cristofer (Bethy) Smiley, Warsaw, Brittany (Rylan) Weber, North Manchester, Derek (Emily) Smiley, Fort Wayne, and Dustin Smiley, Fort Wayne; great-grandchildren, Jorden Weber and Raylen Weber; niece, Ann (Matt) Mierow, daughter, Lily, niece, Sarah Royce; nephew, Frank (Annette) Galvin, daughter Fiona. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Juanita (Jarman) Royce; husband, William “Bill” Smiley; sons, Jon and Nathan Smiley; one brother, Mark Royce, and one sister, Mary Oliver.

Family and friends may call Sunday, July 17, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling. Chaplain David Crawley will officiate.

The family of Juanita “Tina” Smiley has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.