Linda Nelle Swales-Smith

Linda Nelle Swales-Smith passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born in Tulsa on August 25, 1947, Linda attended the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education. A proud member of Pi Beta Phi, Linda valued the friendships and sense of community the sorority brought to her life. Her years in the classroom took her through many private schools, including OCS and later Heritage Hall. She taught across all grade levels, including special education, shaping the lives of countless students, so many that they affectionately called her "Momma Swales." The nickname said it all: to her students she was more than an instructor, she was a steady and caring presence who believed in them.

While teaching full-time, Linda also led ACT and SAT workshops, helping young students raise their scores and open doors to opportunities they might not have reached on their own. She had such a gift for teaching ACT that a local magazine once featured her as the "Test Whisperer." Her students meant the world to her, and she carried their successes as her own.

Above all, Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took deep pride and joy in her family, and the love she gave them was the heart of her life. One of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet, she had a warmth that enveloped everyone.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Harley Paul Rogers and Julia Beth (Page) Rogers; her first husband, Steve Swales; and her brother-in-law, Russ Vanderslice. She is survived by her husband, Bob Smith, who she met in a loss support group in 1991 and married in 2003; her son, Paul (Staci) Swales; her two daughters, Kristin (Brad) Peltier and Beth Swales; her stepchildren, Jennifer Ashlock and Ross Smith; and her grandchildren, Morganne (Beau) McCune, Rylee (Miguel) Lopez, Harrison Swales, Shelby Peltier, Bryce Peltier, Chase Peltier, Pax Peltier, Aydin Ashlock, Sloane Smith, and Annie Smith. She is also survived by seven beloved great-grandchildren; her siblings, Paula (Jim) Gamble, Donna Vanderslice, and Tom (Ann) Rogers; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." — Matthew 5:8

To celebrate Linda's life, a service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, Oklahoma. To view a live stream of this service please CLICK HERE.  The live stream will begin approximately ten minutes prior to the start of service.