Lela Frances Donaldson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Lela Frances Donaldson, on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Olympics West Retirement Inn, Tumwater, Washington. She was 100 years old.

Lela Frances Smith was born on June 9, 1923, in Olympia, Washington, Lela lived a full and vibrant life. She was the loving wife of Derral, who predeceased her by thirty years. Together, they raised two children, always calling Olympia home.

Lela and Derral were a part of the Greatest Generation. She and her three sisters were raised during the depression, World War II, and post war world in a family that was richer in love and care than material things on the family farm on Mix Road, just above Mud Bay. They all attended the small McClane Schools and then Olympia High School. The four Smith girls all married army men from Camp Lewis.

Lela’s husband, Derral, was sent to the Pacific theater to fight, was badly wounded, and needed a long recovery overseas and then back in the states while Lela and the Smith family raised LaAlva without him for two years.

When Derral was finally able to return to his family and home, he, Lela and the kids lived in a number of homes around Olympia before finally settling on their twenty-acre farm off Steamboat Island Road. Lela worked for the state as a key punch operator, and retired after a twenty-five-year career.

Lela was patient, kind, compassionate, frugal, had a sharp wit and sense of humor. She enjoyed hitting the sales at the mall, eating at IHOP, enjoying fellowship at Westwood Baptist, hosting family celebrations, and having grandkids spend the night. Lela is survived by her two children, LaAlva Sliva (Ron) of Olympia and David Donaldson (Joyce) of Melbourne, Australia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Olympics West Retirement Inn for their devoted care and professionalism. We would also like to thank Doctor Cris Johnson and Assured Home Health care staff who provided incredible support while Lela was in hospice.

A celebration of life for Lela will be held at “The Heritage Room” in downtown Olympia, at 604 Water St SW, Olympia, WA 98501, at noon on Friday, January 26, 2024. Lela will be buried in Tumwater at Olympic Memorial Garden next to her husband, Derral.

Rest in peace, dear Lela. You will be forever missed and always remembered.