As part of a kitchen remodling job, I removed a non-load bearing wall
(wall is parallel to joists). After taking out the 2x3 top plate, I
now have a gap in the ceiling drywall that measures about 4" wide x 8'
long. Should I simply fill in that space with a narrow strip of
drywall or cut back good drywall 16" on both sides to the next joist
to make it a larger piece?? The advantage of keeping it narrow is
that I will probably end up with only one seam after several coats of
mud rather than 2.

--Jeff