Sandra Kay Smith Raley (August 30, 1948 – February 21, 2026)

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Sandra Kay Smith Raley, 77, of Tulsa, a

beloved mother, grandmother ("Ama"), sister, and cherished friend. Sandra died at St.

Luke's South Hospital in Overland Park, KS on the morning of Saturday, February 21,

2026.

Sandra was born in Vinita in 1948 to James and Mary Jane Smith, who owned the

Conoco Gas and Service Station in Ketchum. As the oldest of three girls, Sandra grew

up playing the piano and singing in church and school. She graduated at the top of her

class at Ketchum High School and went on to attend college and secretarial school. She

worked for Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville for more than 15 years. From

there, she graduated from court reporting school and began a second career. In

retirement, she managed rental properties for many years.

Sandra was a very proud mom and grandma. Above all else, she wanted to make sure

that her children and grandchildren were able to follow their dreams. In her youth,

Sandra dreamed of becoming a doctor, but the adults in her life encouraged her toward

a different path. She regretted not following her own dream and went above and

beyond to help her daughters and grandchildren reach—and continue to

accomplish—theirs.

Sandra was a giving person, always taking care of others before herself. She frequently

supported causes that protected endangered wildlife and vulnerable people. Even in her

passing, Sandra's generosity continued—one of her final gifts was the donation of her

corneal tissue, a lasting act of kindness that will help others see the world more clearly.

As a lifelong learner, Sandra loved to read and absorb information from a variety of

sources. She attended a monthly book club at the library whenever she could and

enjoyed engaging in thoughtful, intellectual conversations on a wide range of topics.

Everyone who knew Sandra knew how much she loved birding. While she was able, she

attended many counts with local Audubon members. She loved creating a welcoming

habitat in her yard to attract birds and, on occasion, would attract rare species for area

birders to come and watch. Among her favorites were the indigo bunting, the painted

bunting, hummingbirds, owls, and the Eastern bluebird. Her proudest birding

achievement was the time she attracted a lazuli bunting, much to the surprise and envy

of local birding experts.

Sandra will always be remembered for her generosity, kindness, intelligence, dry sense

of humor, and the way she always tried to take care of others. We couldn't have asked

for a better mom and will miss her every day. Sandra's memory will live on in the hearts

of all those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Jane Smith. She is survived

by her two sisters, Vickie Johnson and Karen Karr; her two daughters, Amy Samaripa of

Overland Park, KS, and Kelli McDowell of Broken Arrow, OK; and three grandchildren,

Haylie McDowell and James and Tyler Loughman; nephews Patrick and Kyle

Whittenburg and great-niece Saylor Whittenburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandra's memory to

the Friends of Oxley Nature Center or the National Audubon Society.