Louise Ann Smelser, 89, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior on September 14, 2023. Louise was born in Oregon City, Oregon on April 13, 1934, to her parents, George and Josephine Thoeny. She grew up in Portland, Oregon along with her two brothers, George and Harold. She met the love of her life, Roger Smelser at Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon. They were married in Clackamas, Oregon on June 27, 1954. She loved Roger's outgoing, adventurous spirit and his Christian family. In 1976, they moved to Anaheim, California from Oregon City, Oregon and later settled in Oklahoma City.

Louise was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was beautiful, gracious, and open to everyone she met. With her sparkling blue eyes and her radiant smile she brought joy, love and care to others. She will be deeply missed.

Louise was a homemaker, managed their rental properties for forty years, and supported Roger in their homebuilding business and later in their car wash and oil change business. As a mother, she enjoyed raising their four children, sewing, baking, hunting, camping, gardening, boating, and traveling with her family and friends. She dearly loved her family and prayed for them throughout her life and in her final hours.

Louise loved the Lord Jesus! She began her Christian life in high school while attending Youth for Christ. Later, her growing family attended Clackamas Baptist Church. She was a member of The Church in Oklahoma City for over forty years. She loved her church family and serving others. Together she and Roger opened their home to guests from around the world. Her guest book is full of the names of the many that came to their home and tucked inside are the sweet notes of thanks from the lives they touched. Everyone knew Louise would make them feel welcome, offer a great meal, and even a room if

needed. For years, at Thanksgiving, they hosted many international students. In her beautiful backyard, they hosted young people's gatherings where the kids could play volleyball. For about fifteen years, she enjoyed serving the church by baking the weekly communion bread for the Lord's table. They visited and fellowshipped with friends and acquaintances near and far. They were very generous, always sought to help others, and spread the gospel. Louise is fondly remembered for her kindness, welcoming nature, wise advice, generosity, and positive outlook.

She and Roger led an active life and went on countless adventures together such as a seven day rafting trip down the Snake River on a raft that Roger designed and built. With their family and friends they enjoyed yachting trips along the Pacific NW Coast, including boat camping on the Columbia River and Puget Sound. When their children were grown, she and Roger traveled the world. They often traveled with their church friends, visiting churches in many countries. She enjoyed their travels, fellowshipping, learning the cultures and touring the cities. Among the places they traveled were Russia, Israel, Taiwan, Europe, New Zealand, Brazil, Malaysia, El Salvador, Australia, Philippines, Belize, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. Also, they enjoyed several deep sea fishing trips to Alaska catching halibut and salmon, as well as road trips to Canada and throughout the United States. On their last fishing trip to Alaska she caught the biggest salmon they had ever caught, 50lbs.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 69 years, Roger Smelser; her daughters: Ruth DeVries, Brenda Fuchs (Greg); daughter-in-law Aurora Smelser; her son, Loren Smelser (Amanda), her grandchildren: Philip Smelser (Ayumi), Joshua Smelser, Karen Smelser, David DeVries, Mark DeVries (Brittany), Brian DeVries (Danielle), Jana Telleen (Merrill), Eric Smelser, Andrew Smelser, Carrie Townsdin (Brent), Katie Fuchs, and Lindsey Fuchs; her great grandchildren: Cash DeVries, Calaiah DeVries, Jude DeVries, Sonorah DeVries, Clara DeVries, Ashley DeVries, Henry Telleen, and Shepherd

Townsdin. She is preceded in death by her loving son, Dan Smelser.