Obituary for Raymond Smith

Raymond Smith

October 17, 1935 – January 1, 2016

Raymond Smith, 80, a long-time Ponca City resident passed from this life at Ponca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Friday, January 1, 2016.

One of eight children of Jeff Smith and Daisy (Ulrich) Smith, Raymond was born in Ponca City on October 17, 1935. He took Fern Ellen Knief as his bride on June 14, 1968 at First Lutheran Church of Ponca City , the church that he was still associated with at the time of his death. He and Fern had celebrated over 46 years of marriage at the time of her death on November 5, 2014. Raymond and Fern were active in the real estate market in the area purchasing properties for repair or remodel and then either using them as rental properties or reselling the upgraded properties. Their real estate activities kept him busy most of the time but the couple found time to travel extensively throughout the United States.

He is survived by his daughter Susan Bennett and her husband Bill of Ponca City; a granddaughter Josie Saltarelli of Tulsa; and great grandchildren Ethan Zielinski, Alyssa Wissinger, and Italia Saltarelli; one sister, Mildred Shirley of North Little Rock Arkansas; a sister-in-law, Della Smith; nieces and nephews, Martin Smith and wife Paige, Rosanna Smith and husband Jack, Mark Smith, Doug Smith and wife Connie, Jack Smith, and Cathy Brown; and many extended family members and friends. Preceding Raymond in death were his wife Fern, his parents, siblings Hugh Leroy Smith, Jeff J. ”Junior” Smith, Rosie Emirene Smith, Ellen Lorene Skaggs, Billy George Smith, and Maxine Joan Smith, and nephews Michael Smith and Bobby Smith.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church of Ponca City followed by a funeral service to remember and honor Raymond’s life at 10:00, with Pastor Jeremy May officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.