Nancy Mae Smith

Nancy Mae Smith, 74, of Elk City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, in Elk City.

Nancy was born on August 23, 1952, in Colony, Kansas, to James T. Kisner and Gladys M. (Harling) Kisner. She grew up in Iola and graduated from Colony, Kansas, in 1969. On October 20, 1972, she married the love of her life, John M. Smith, in Iola, Kansas. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. They made their home in Custer City for more than 40 years before moving to Elk City, Oklahoma.

Nancy dedicated more than 25 years of service as a custodian for both Taloga and Arapaho Public Schools. She took great pride in her work and was known for her strong work ethic, dependability, and caring nature toward the students, teachers, and staff she encountered throughout the years.

Nancy found joy in life's simple pleasures and treasured the time she spent with family and friends. She loved attending garage sales and auctions, a pastime she shared with her late husband, John, until his passing in 2020. She enjoyed collecting Longaberger baskets and Princess House glassware and took great pride in the collections she carefully built over the years.

Known as an excellent cook, Nancy delighted in preparing meals and desserts that brought her family together around the table. She had a deep love for animals and cared for her cats, dogs, and farm chickens with affection and devotion. She also enjoyed feeding the deer, rabbits, ducks, and other wildlife that visited her property. An avid gardener, Nancy found satisfaction in growing and canning the fruits and vegetables from her garden.

Throughout her late husband's coaching years, Nancy faithfully kept the books while he coached baseball and basketball, supporting him every step of the way. In recent years, she especially enjoyed traveling to Oklahoma City with her son, John Jr., and daughter-in-law, Bambi, to watch the Oklahoma City Comets play.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Smith Sr.; her parents, James T. Kisner and Gladys M. Kisner; and her brother, Neal Kisner.

She is survived by her sons, John M. Smith Jr. and wife, Bambi, of Elk City, Oklahoma, and Travis W. Smith of Carlisle, Kansas; her brothers, Tom Kisner of Iowa and Richard Kisner of Missouri; her granddaughter, Keysha Smith; and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her.