Tena

Smith

Waltena Sue "Tena" (Monigold) Smith, 65, of Blanchard, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 9, 2022, in Norman, Okla. The daughter of Walter Monigold and Mabel Louise (Barham) Monigold Franklin, Tena was born in Pawhuska, Okla. on April 16, 1957.

Tena loved her idyllic childhood in Pawhuska, where she grew up dancing, particularly tap dancing, and swimming as a young girl. As a high school student, Tena was passionate about playing alto saxophone in the band and acting in the theatre, all while maintaining nearly straight A's. One of Tena's fondest memories from college was working as a summer staff member at the YMCA of the Rockies. In only 3 1/2 years, she graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1978 with her bachelor's degree in Art, minoring in Radio-Television-Film, after which she moved to the Oklahoma City metro area. While volunteering with the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, or Jaycees, her pet project became raising money for St. Jude's Hospital, and she met the love of her life, Gilbert Ray "Gil" Smith and his daughters. Tena and Gil married on March 3, 1984, and later established their home in Blanchard in 1986, having two daughters of their own shortly after. To start her career, Tena worked as a film editor for KWTV Channel 9  for nine years. From 1987-1991, she and Gil owned and operated Poppa John's Pizza on 12th street in Moore. Eventually, Tena joined the University of Oklahoma as a research administrator, where she worked until retirement after 26 years of service.

As her children grew, Tena became a highly dedicated 4-H volunteer, helping with everything from the McClain County Fair to 4-H Share-the-Fun. Tena also volunteered with ECHO Oklahoma and Community Education of McClain County. Gil and Tena have been charter members of Agape Baptist Church since 2001, and Tena spent several years enjoying service as their cabin's head cook at Falls Creek Youth Camp. Tena also treasured the many opportunities to travel with family and friends. Many fond memories were made in Branson, Colorado , Utah, Florida and California. She and Gil experienced the solar eclipse in Missouri, Niagara Falls from both the US and Canadian sides, the Panama Canal,  multiple Caribbean islands, and much, much more. Throughout her life, Tena was known for her sharp wit, and having the ability to complete the Sunday crossword puzzle in ink.  She also loved game shows, particularly Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, though she would beat you to the answer every time. Above all, Tena loved all her children and grandchildren with a fierce, unconditional passion. Tena was a truly loving soul whose optimism, patience, and genuine kindness was apparent to all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

Tena is preceded in death by her parents; half-brother, Keith Webb; and her parents-in-law, Gilbert and Sylvia "Cherry" Smith.

Tena is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Gil Smith of Blanchard; four daughters, Sarah Simmons and husband Jarrod of Purcell; Rachel Rittenhouse and husband Craig of Park Hill; Heather Marshall and husband Shane of Seminole; and Hollie Taylor of Seminole. Tena is also survived by her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Andrew, Rebekah, John, Lily, Leona, Trip, Kolten, Kendell, Bryce, Jordan, Mallorie, and Blake; one great-grandson, Waylon; half-brother, Leon Webb and wife Thelma of Nelagoney; sister-in-law, Sylvia "Mae" Smith of Oklahoma City; and a host of other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Tena's name to Agape Baptist Church, 2606 N Council Ave, Blanchard, OK 73010 or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

Tena's memorial services will be held at the Eisenhour Funeral Home Chapel in Blanchard at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2022. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com .