Theresa Smith

Theresa Smith left this life on Monday, March 9, 2015 at the age of 93. Theresa Sietsema was born January 2, 1922, in Alpine Township, just outside of Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan, to Peter Sietsema and Theresa Baker Sietsema, who both immigrated to America from The Netherlands. Theresa is preceded in death by husband Gerald Smith. She is also preceded in death by sisters Clara Sterken, Elizabeth Theule, Esther Hamelink, and Helen Nyholt and by brothers George Sietsema and Ray Sietsema, all of the state of Michigan. She is survived by sister Marguerite Steele of Marne, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews. Theresa is survived by son Tom Smith and wife Shirlene Smith of Seminole; daughter Deanna Hamilton and husband Dan Hamilton of Seminole; son Paul Smith of McLoud; grand children Wade Smith, Janice Harjo, Shanell Smith and Kyle Smith; great grandchildren Carter Riley, Seth Harjo, Megan Harjo and Kameron Riley. After growing up in Michigan and attending business school there, Theresa and a sister moved to and worked in San Diego, California. There she met husband to be, Gerald Smith. They were married on August 12, 1944, in Palo Pinto County, Texas. She moved to Seminole to work and live with his parents until he returned there from his service in the U.S. Army. Gerald and Theresa owned and operated a steam laundry business in Seminole, then later coin-operated dry cleaning and Laundromats. For years, they enjoyed traveling in RVs, including annual stays in Colorado. Throughout her life, Theresa loved and appreciated many types of music. She was an excellent cook - most everything she prepared was from 'scratch'. After their children were grown, she delighted in weekly Bridge. She walked routinely, even after 90 years of age. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Seminole. Theresa’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to her caregivers including Dr. Kemp, his staff, and all at Avonlea Cottage Assisted Living and Faith Hospice. Her friendly smile will be missed by many. Services will be held in the Historic Strothers Chapel located in Maple Grove Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2015 with Matt Pollock officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Seminole Humane Society, P.O. Box 88, Seminole, OK 74818 or other charity would be appreciated. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: March 11, 2015, 10:30 AM Historic Strothers Chapel - Seminole located at Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, OK 74868