Ella Mae Smothers

Ella “Mae” Smothers, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and loved ones on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Stroud, Oklahoma.

Mae was born on Friday, October 15, 1937, to Jesse Homer and Walcie Gladys (Marion) Thomas in Luther, Oklahoma. She grew up and attended school in California. Mae married Alfred “Ray” Smothers on September 4, 1955 in California. The couple, both originally from Oklahoma, met while living in California. They moved to Chandler, Oklahoma in 1967 but visited California often. Ray and Mae were happily married for more than 68 years and together raised 5 children. Ray preceded Mae in death on August 24th of this year.

Cooking was Mae’s passion. She used her talent for cooking to work as a cook in various restaurants in Chandler, such as Fendy’s and the Country Kitchen, and Rooster’s in Jones. In conjunction with cooking, she also enjoyed canning. Mae also served a stint as a CMA. She listed “when I got my diploma for medicine” as her proudest career accomplishment. When Mae wasn’t working, she enjoyed singing opera around the house and for her family, reading, working puzzles, and watching t.v. Mae fought various forms of cancer for over 60 years. Even so, the fight never dulled her attempt at “living life to the fullest” and the proud family moments she held dear when they were all together laughing and talking.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Walcie (Marion) Thomas; her husband, Ray Smothers; her daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Ron Wilkson; brother, George Thomas; sisters, Vineta Jean Smothers, Lou Garcia, Peggy and Delbert Staggs; her granddaughter, Breanne Smothers; great-granddaughter, Audray Wilkson; and a great-grandson, Jessie Wilkson.

Mae is survived by her brother and his wife, Allen and Liz Thomas; brother-in-law, Charlie Garcia; sister-in-law, Rita Smothers; sons, Butch Smothers, and Andy and his wife, Jean Smothers; daughters, Vickie Henninger and her husband, Joe Henninger, and Janet Hicks and her husband, Billy Hicks; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.

A memorial service for Mae will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Parks Brothers Funeral Service Chapel, Chandler. Condolences can be expressed at www.parksbrothers.net. Services are in the care of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler, Oklahoma.