Obituary for Fern Smith

Ponca City Now - November 7, 2014 12:00 am

Fern Ellen Smith received her eternal reward of life with Jesus in heaven on Wednesday evening, November 5th, 2014 at the age of 72 here in Ponca City.

She was born July 18th, 1942 to Louis and Beatrice (nee Robbins) Knief. She was a faithful member at First Lutheran Church of Ponca City all her life. It was there that she was born again as a child of God through the waters of Baptism on August 9th, 1942, and confirmed March 25th, 1956. On June 14th, 1968 she married the love of her life, Raymond Clifton Smith at First Lutheran. She loved to sing, and was a long time member of the choir.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond, one step-daughter, Susan (Bill) Bennett, one step-grandchild, and step-great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Louis (Hilda) Knief of Peoria, IL, 4 nieces, Brenda Davidson of Edmond, OK, Teresa Armstead of Newalla, OK, Darla Heuermann of Peoria, IL, and Kristin Ahrens of West Bend, Wisconsin, 2 nephews, Roger Knief of Peoria, IL and Ivan Smith of Cashion, OK, and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Brother Fred E. Knief, Sister Wilma M. Smith, and one nephew, Daniel L. Knief.

Fern was a lifelong resident of Ponca City. She graduated from Ponca City High, and Tonkawa Jr. College with an AA Degree.

She was employed for many years in the offices of The American Legion Children’s Home and as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service.

Fern loved animals. She joined the Kay 9 Dog Training Club in 1979. She served in many capacities, including, but not limited to mentor, agility and obedience trainer, and club treasurer until her death. Fern raised and showed rabbits and dogs. She received awards for show dogs and checkered giant rabbits. She also loved the companionship of her cats.

Fern loved to drive, and enjoyed extensive travel with her husband Raymond. It’s safe to say that they left few states untouched.

Visitation will be held at 7-8:30 p.m., Friday, November 7, 2014 at Grace Memorial Chapel with services to be held at First Lutheran Church at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2014. Committal will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in honor of Fern to First Lutheran Church, 1104 N. 4th, Ponca City, OK 74601 or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union, Ste 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.