Joan Carol (Smith) Ellis, 79, of the Rockford area, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the loving family she cherished so deeply.

Joan was born on November 8, 1946, in Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa, to Harry Smith and Jean (Hultgren) Smith. A lifelong hairdresser, Joan brought care, support, and a smile to everyone who sat in her chair. She later served as an office administrator at a local animal hospital, where her organization, kindness, and proactive spirit were appreciated by coworkers and customers alike. She had a special way with animals and was never afraid to step in, take action, and make things right.

Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved gardening, reading, beautiful jewelry, movies (with popcorn), card games, family holidays, and any time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christmas held a special place in her heart; she made it magical with decorations, food, family, and traditions that will be carried forward.

She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, contagious laugh, lovely singing voice, spotless home, perfectly folded laundry, beautiful manicures, and the way she always seemed ready for company. She taught those around her kindness, empathy, tact, respect, independence, and grace. Joan had a gift for raising her family to learn and grow while remaining close by with love, guidance, and just the right amount of honest direction.

Joan is survived by her children, Jeffrey S. Ellis and wife Tisha L. Ellis; Jill M. Ellis Craig and husband Michael W. Craig; and Jessica L. Ellis Beasley and husband Kenneth E. Beasley. She was the proud grandmother of Ellisa M. (Craig) Tennyson and husband Zachary S. Tennyson, Aleksa E. Craig, Sophie G. Ellis, Griffin J. Ellis, Joah K. Beasley, and Keir E. J. Beasley. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Walker M. Tennyson, Scottie E. Tennyson, and Drew M. Tennyson.

She is further survived by her sister, Joyce Hillebrand, along with many extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and friendship.

Joan was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harry Smith and Jean Hultgren Smith, and her brother, Dixon Smith.

A private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice in Joan’s memory.

Joan’s family will remember her not only for all that she did, but for who she was: loving, witty, capable, elegant, independent, and simply wonderful.