Maddie Macias

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Madison Michelle Macias, age 21, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Maddie was born on January 27, 2005 to Kristin Smith and Abel Macias. She graduated from Pittsburg High School with the Class of 2023, and later earned her certification as a licensed dog groomer. She had worked at Petsmart, and was currently employed as a beloved dog groomer at Ruff Puppies, LLC.

Maddie was an animal lover with the biggest heart and most caring soul. You would never find her without her big, contagious, smile or without her adorable, unique, laugh. Just her beautiful laugh could make you smile. You could never be in a bad or sad mood around her because she had such a beautiful, sweet, soul that you could not help but be happy around her. Madison was uniquely Madison, her personality was bigger than life; she was loving, caring, funny, and just full of life. Maddie left a big, lasting, impression with everyone who knew her. She loved everyone and everyone absolutely loved her.

Maddie was an avid WNBA and College Basketball Trading Card Collector. She loved basketball and her North Carolina Tarheels. She was also an avid lover of Music of various genres; Brandon Lake along with many other Christian Artists, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Selena, Jessie Murph, Billie Elilish, among many others. Maddie always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since the young age of 5, she loved animals, and animals were naturally drawn to her. She loved and thrived in her natural ability of dog grooming and was on her way to achieving her dream. But above all else, Maddie loved her family and everyone she cared about, and Madison loved Jesus. She tried her best to live like him. By showing compassion, kindness, forgiveness, love and respect.

She is survived by her mother, Kristin Smith of Chanute, KS; her father, Abel Macias (Brandi Gallagher) of Joplin, MO; five siblings, Austin Macias, Natalie Macias, Kylee Bennefeld, Halee Macias, Daulton Smith; two bonus-siblings, Gavin Gallagher, and Kierah Gordon; paternal grandparents, Baltasar and Elida Macias of Joplin; maternal grandparents, Chris and Theresa Smith of Pittsburg, and Lori and Barry Seal of Girard, KS; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many other friends and family members; and of course her beloved dog, Winston.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Patricia Mayberry; Helen (Love) Smith; Adelaido and Francisca (Vasquez) Macias; and Jose and Maria Chavez.

Maddie will be missed beyond comprehension and there will always be an emptiness of where Maddie should be, but she will be found in the love that we will continue to carry, a love that she so willingly gave. We encourage everyone to simply, live like Madison.

A Memorial Service for Madison will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Christpoint Church in Galena, KS. Pastor Josh Pennington will officiate.

Floral Arrangements may be sent to the funeral home or Memorial Contributions may be made in Madison’s name to the Joplin Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.