Joanne Louise (Smith) Hafliger , age 72, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Joanne was born on December 15, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, to Herbert and Wava (Jamison) Smith. She grew up in Ellis, Kansas, and graduated from Ellis High School. On February 5, 1971, she married the love of her life, Lloyd "Lloydy" L. Hafliger, in Jetmore, Kansas.

Joanne worked for many years as a housekeeper in various motels and hotels in WaKeeney, Kansas. She also shared a passion for restoring and fixing up old cars alongside her husband. In later years, Joanne found joy in customizing Hot Wheels cars and selling them on eBay, turning a hobby into a creative outlet that she loved.

Joanne will be dearly missed by her family, including her sons, Jason and Larry Hafliger, both of WaKeeney, KS; her stepchildren, Penny Demel of Ellinwood, KS, Nancy Ochs of Bolivar, MO, and Glen Hafliger; her brother, Bobby Smith of Ellis, KS; her niece, Jennifer Engel; and her 11 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lloyd Hafliger; her brothers, Larry and Steve Smith; and her sister, Terry Engel.

A private family memorial graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Joanne Hafliger Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home , 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share condolences, memories, or words of comfort, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.