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Vaudie LaRue (Fitz) Smith, daughter of Norva Dale and Flossie E. (Kernes) Fitz, was born on February 5, 1939 in the Bishop Community located in southern Ellis County. She peacefully left her home here to be with her Lord on August 22, 2022 at the age of 83.
She attended Bishop School until her senior year. Her family relocated to Satana, Kansas and she graduated from Satana High School. It was in Satana that she met her husband, Byrl Smith. She worked for a time at Hughes Aircraft in California while Byrl finished his time in the Marine Corp. They were united in marriage on December 13, 1958 in Arnett, Oklahoma and began a wonderful adventure together. Byrl's work allowed them to experience living in Kansas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Illinois while growing their family along the way and eventually returning to Oklahoma to raise their four children northwest of Gage, Oklahoma.
Vaudie was the kindest soul who lived the essence of her faith daily. Her work was done diligently in the quiet with her Lord. She prayed earnestly for others and lived with a grateful heart. She thanked God constantly for his many blessings. None were too small to escape her attention. She was often heard thanking Jesus for rain and when the gathering or sorting of cattle went without incident.
She loved her family wholeheartedly. Watching videos and looking at pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren became a large source of joy and entertainment in her later years. Her love of sports spanned a lifetime. She was a standout basketball player in high school and loyally watched NBA basketball (Thunder), OU and OSU girls softball, OU boys football and any NFL team with former OU players.
Vaudie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Rodney and Norvie Fitz, sister Joyce Ashpaugh, sons-in-law Fred Stoops, Sr. and Duane Blackburn. She is survived by her children Kathy Stoops of Denver, Colorado, Burris (Sonny) Smith and wife Shelby of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Debra Blackburn of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Rick Smith and wife Yuko of Tucson, Arizona, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister Nina Fagala of Gage, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.
The love and joy she brought to her family and friends is beyond words. Vaudie/Mom/Grandma/ will be missed immeasurably forever.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 29, 2022 in the Woodward First Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow in the Debolt Cemetery in Arnett.
Remembrances may be shared online at ww.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com.
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