Gladys Smith

Gladys T. Smith, 104, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, formerly of Perry, Oklahoma was the daughter of Stephen A. and Theresa Bergschneider Diebold. Born January 14, 1905 in a sod hut at what is now Lawton, Oklahoma, she was raised by her grandparents who moved to Perry when she was young. Gladys entered heaven on Sunday, March 15, 2009 with the same smile and kind words that characterized her remarkable life of 104 years. It was in Perry that she met the love of her life, Riley A. Smith, knowing in an instant that he was the one. Raising three children, Riley Jr., Bill and Geneva, through the depression and seeing the boys off to war and home safe again, she continued to work hard throughout her life. Many hours were spent at Perry Memorial Hospital, for example, in what most would have called her retirement years. Favorite times for the family were Sunday dinners at the house on Maple Street, leaving the family with fond memories of homemade noodles and cinnamon rolls as well as cranberries that sometimes didn't cran. She was an avid reader, worked crossword puzzles with the same determination she brought to life's troubles and enjoyed sewing. Later years found her looking forward to holidays with family and friends as health issues caused a move to The Wellington retirement community in Oklahoma City. It was here she began a new chapter in her life as friend and confidant to many. She broadened her horizons and became self taught in the areas of politics, economics and news of the day. A strong Christian, her greatest prayer was to live long enough on this earth that her great-grandchildren would be old enough to remember her. They are forever grateful this prayer was granted. Gladys will be remembered as a lady with a kind word for everyone, someone who could zing you with a quick wit, and a determination that was often surprising to those who did not know her well. She was a special lady and a blessing to all that knew her. The family wishes to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Wellington in Oklahoma City. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009 in the Grace Hill Memorial Pavilion at Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry. Rev. Aaron Summers will officiate. Services are under the direction of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, designated for stroke research, in care of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home, 1010 N. 7th Street, Perry, Oklahoma 73077. Gladys is survived by one daughter, Geneva Skinner, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Mike Skinner and his wife, Susan, of Norman, Oklahoma; and Riley A. Smith III and his wife, Cindy, of Altus, Oklahoma; two granddaughters, Janice and Rebecca; a daughter-in-law, Lila Smith; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Riley A. Smith; two sons, Riley Jr. and his wife, June, and Bill and his wife, Loreita; one granddaughter, Pamela; one brother, John Diebold and one son-in-law, Leon Skinner. Condolences may be sent to the family using our online guest book at www.brown-duggerfuneralhome.com.