Dorothy Ann (Kerr) Smith
1926-2026
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - August 26, 2026
Dorothy Ann (Kerr) Smith completed her life’s journey here with us at the age of 100 on August 19, 2026. She was born January 10, 1926, in Bristow, Oklahoma, to Ruth ( Sterling) Kerr and Frank Kerr Jr, who was of the Cherokee Nation and on the Dawes Rolls.
Dorothy moved to Oklahoma City in 1944 to attend Oklahoma City University, where she began working at the Methodist Church. She later made her home in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where she met the love of her life Chuddie Smith. The two were married and shared 67 wonderful years together.
Dorothy taught kindergarten and first grade in the Guthrie Public Schools from the early 1960s through the mid-1980s. During those years, she touched the lives of countless children and became a beloved part of the Guthrie community.
After retiring from teaching, Dorothy continued her passion for working with children. Along with a few close friends, she began hosting a summer Bible school called the Good News Club in their homes each week. Through this ministry, she continued to nurture young hearts and minds, sharing her love for children and her deeply devoted Christian faith. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on generations of young people in Guthrie.
Dorothy is survived by her three daughters: RuthAnn Zisser and her husband, David, of Vero Beach, Florida; Carol Smith of Guthrie; and Linda Miller and her husband, Johnny of Guthrie.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy Gooch of Port Charlotte, Florida; Russell Thomas of Centennial, Colorado; Adam Miller and his wife, M’Lis, of Guthrie; and Melissa Wells and her husband, Bryan, of Guthrie. Her greatgrandchildren include Chandler DeBenedictis and his wife, Meagan of New Port Richey, Florida; Jaylin Wells (Forrest) of Lawton, Oklahoma; Samantha Thomas of Centennial, Colorado; Rylin Wells of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Jack Thomas of Centennial, Colorado; Graeme Miller of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Kingsley Miller of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Gabe Lahey of Vail, Colorado; and Avery Lahey of Dubuque, Iowa.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuddie Smith, in October 2015; her sister, Ruth Norris; her brother, Franklin Kerr; her nephew, Rick Norris; and numerous other loving family members and relatives.
Following Chuddie’s death, she moved to Ash Street Place and then Golden Age Nursing Home where she was always very appreciative of the great care she received.
Thank you to the nurses, aides and staff that assisted in her care from Ash Street, Golden Age Nursing Home, and Companion Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, August 28, 2026 at the First Christian Church located at 402 East Noble Avenue in Guthrie. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo. com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International Bible, P.O. Box 54, Guthrie, OK or the charity of your choice.