She was born on March 10, 1925 in Sickles, OK to Charles Elmer and Lucy Frances Smith. She graduated from Lookeba-Sickles High School in 1943. After high school, Dene moved to Oklahoma City where she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She met Don W. Smith, an engineer at CMI. They married on May 5, 1951. In 1963, Don and Dene moved to Edmond, OK with their two daughters. They were active members of First Christian Church where Dene was the pastor’s secretary for 18 years. Following retirement, they enjoyed traveling around the state on bus tours to Lake City, CO and to foreign destinations including China, England, and Italy.
Dene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 56 years; four brothers; and 5 sisters. Survivors include sister, Virginia Nachtigall of Wakita, OK; brother, Doyle Smith of Arkansas; two daughters, Janet Hirst and Marsha Dean and husband Philip all of Edmond; 5 grandchildren: Michele Dean, Hayley Kennon and Courtney Chancey of Edmond, OK Riley Hirst of Moore, OK and Elise Dean of California; 5 great-grandchildren: Everett and Maggie Kennon and Cora, Graham and Eleanor Chancey. She was a beloved wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
