Sondra Kay Buck Smith was born August 13, 1947 in Mooreland, Oklahoma. She was the eldest child of John (Junior) and Merdith Buck. She grew up on the family farm southeast of Vici. During her senior year, her father caught the mumps and was very ill for three weeks. Sondra milked cows, fed calves and took care of chores before school. She attended all 12 grades in Vici, graduating in 1965. After that she attended Panhandle State University, graduating with a degree in elementary education in 1969. She taught school in Canadian, Texas for three years before returning to Oklahoma. She taught in Seiling Public Schools from 1972-1982.

Growing up, Sondra loved horses and spent many hours riding. While riding the cattle pens at the Seiling Cattle Auction, she met the love of her life, James L. Smith. They were married on March 8, 1974, and made their home west of Chester, Oklahoma. Sondra loved being a farm wife, driving the tractor, caring for the cattle, and tending to her large garden. She loved animals and always had a dog or a cat by her side.

After retiring from teaching, Sondra stayed involved with the farm and with many activities. She worked as secretary at the Christian Church in Seiling and as secretary at Elm Grove Assembly of God. She also served as secretary of Major County Cattlemen's Association where she helped organize 12 trips to Branson, Missouri, Sunday school secretary, secretary of the Chester Community Club, and served on the Major County election board.

She loved her nieces and nephews and they spent many happy days with "Aunt Son and Uncle J".

In 2009 Sondra was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy which left her in considerable pain and eventually affected the movements of her arms and legs. Sondra took this in stride however, and continued with her life as best she could.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Junior and Merdith Buck, a sister, Donna Harless and a nephew, John Merriman. She is survived by her husband JL of the home, one sister, Darlene Merriman, several nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.