Sue Ellen Smith

Sue Ellen Smith (née Bollman) November 10, 1955 – June 21, 2025 Sue Ellen Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 69. She departed this life due to complications of chemotherapy while being treated for breast cancer—having finished her race with courage, grace, and dignity, surrounded by those who loved her most. Born on November 10, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sue Ellen’s life was a rich tapestry woven with love, laughter, faith, and deep devotion to others. As a child, Sue Ellen moved with her family to Florida but returned to Shreveport to complete her high school education. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, beginning a lifelong journey of caring and service. As a nurse, Sue Ellen especially enjoyed her work in the operating room, assisting in surgeries. She took great pride in supporting patients during some of their most vulnerable moments and was known for her calm presence and steady hands. In her twenties, she traveled to Japan to teach English—an experience that sparked her enduring love of travel. That same adventurous spirit shaped much of her life, particularly in the time she shared traveling with those she loved. Many of her fondest memories were made on these journeys—whether cheering on the Boston Red Sox with Claude, enjoying beach trips with Adam, Brooke, and her grandchildren, or visiting Amy while she studied abroad. The beach was Sue Ellen’s happy place—being near the water brought her peace, joy, and a deep sense of connection. Sue Ellen led her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop—Troop 5 in Owasso, Oklahoma—for several years, where she mentored and encouraged countless young girls, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. She was also a proud member of her local P.E.O. Chapter, continuing her commitment to supporting women’s education and advancement. For many years, Sue Ellen was an avid walker and completed numerous half-marathons with friends—from the Route 66 Half-Marathon in Tulsa to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon in Las Vegas—always embracing the experience with energy and camaraderie. In May 1980, she married Claude Edward Smith at First Methodist Church of Shreveport. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage, raising two children and building a life centered around faith, family, and love. Sue Ellen will be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor—including her flawless impression of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz—and the thoughtful, grounding presence she offered to everyone around her. Her gentle phrase, “Remember your background,” shared daily with her children and loved ones, reflected her constant encouragement to live with purpose and integrity. She will also be remembered for her deep love of animals, especially her dogs Lizzie and Daisy. Over the years, she opened her heart and home to many adopted dogs, giving them love, care, and companionship—and receiving just as much in return. She is survived by her loving husband, Claude; her son, Adam Smith, and his wife Brooke; her daughter, Amy Crosby, and her husband Nate. She was a proud and deeply loving grandmother to Ella, Finn, Evie, Poppie, and Maelee Smith. She is also survived by her brother, Greg Bollman, and his wife. Sue Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Betty Bollman, and her sister, Deborah Bollman. In Loving Memory In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Sue Ellen’s memory to two causes close to her heart: Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue: www.skiatookpawsandclaws.com Susan G. Komen Foundation: www.komen.org A memorial service celebrating Sue Ellen’s life will be held on August 4th at 2:00 PM, at the Clare Michael, 2314 East Admiral Blvd Tulsa, Oklahoma 74110.

Sue Ellen Smith

November 10, 1955 - June 21, 2025