1932-2026
Norma Jean Smith, 94, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026. She was born on January 26, 1932 to Jesse and Ruby Vaughn, and was the youngest of seven children.
On August 12, 1948, she married the love of her life, Bob Smith. Together they shared 43 wonderful years, filled with fishing, hunting, camping, and making treasured memories with friends and family.
Norma was a longtime and devoted member of Noble Avenue Baptist Church, where she served as church secretary. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she loved singing in the church choir, and playing handbells. She also worked as a teacher’s aide at Cotteral Elementary School, where she enjoyed working with children.
She found joy in sewing and quilting, and lovingly created many things for those she loved. She was also a wonderful cook, and took great pleasure in preparing meals for her family and friends. Above all, she cherished her family. One of her greatest joys was listening to her girls laugh.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and six siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Janet Stramel and husband Dean of Hays, Kansas, and Kathy Burge and husband David of Enid, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, Tracy Delahay and husband Daniel of
Norma Jean Smith
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Joshua Carlton and wife Danee of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Angie Ward and husband Jason of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Tyler Burge and wife Bailee of Enid, Oklahoma; and her great-grandchildren, Addison Carlton, Brennan Carlton, and Parker Ward.
Norma will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her love of family, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorial services for Norma will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Noble Avenue Baptist Church located at 1219 West Noble Avenue in Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.
Graveside services for Norma will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in Norma’s honor can be made to Noble Avenue Baptist Church.
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - April 8, 2026