Bobbie Smith, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004.

Born Roberta Gruskin on April 24, 1935 at New London, Conn., she was the daughter of Samuel M. and Estelle Gerstein Gruskin. She attended Williams Memorial Institute for Women in New London and graduated in 1952. During her summers she served as the first female lifeguard at Ocean Beach Park. She then attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

On Aug. 14, 1955 she married J.B. Smith at Gray Summit, Mo. and the couple moved to College Station, Texas, while J.B. pursued graduate studies. They came to Ponca City in 1960.

Bobbie worked in a variety of career fields including dealing in Tupperware, owning and operating the Image Boutique, and was co-owner of J.B. Smith Real Estate. She had sold real estate from 1980 until her death. Additionally, Bobbie was instrumental in starting Rural Water District #1.

She was an active member of Temple Emmanuel where she served on the board of directors and president of the Sisterhood. She was also a member of Professionals Today, the Women’s Tippers Club, the Ponca City Police Department Extra Eyes, and served on various committees with the Ponca City Board of Realtors.

Together with her husband they raised thoroughbred race horses for 18 years and also ranched in Kay County and south of Ada.

Surviving are her husband, Dr. James B. (J.B.) Smith, of the home; three daughters, Cindy Ruth Wigley and husband Fred, Ponca City, Carol Raye Gaddis, Edmond, Charlene Rose Rehorn and husband LTC Wesley Lee Rehorn, Ft. Story, Va.; her father, Samuel Meyer Gruskin, New London, Conn; brother, Richard Edward Gruskin, New London; sister, Janice Gruskin Rolfe, East Lyme, Conn; and grandchildren Samantha Marie Wigley, Miranda Jo Conyers, Adam Ray Gaddis, Rachael Christine Gaddis, Leia Destiny Rehorn, and Steyer Lee Rehorn.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

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