Lela M. Smith of Laceyville, PA, age 91, passed away on Sunday evening, November 17, 2024 at the Bradford Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Troy, PA.

Born on August 29, 1933 in Golden Hill, PA, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Effie McCarrol Salsman.  Growing up in Golden Hill, Lela attended Laceyville High School and graduated with the class of 1952.  After graduating, Lela worked as a waitress at Betty's Diner.

Lela loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed traveling around the area to watch their sporting events and equestrian shows.  Lela also cherished the time she got to spend with her family, especially on holidays.

Surviving Lela are her children, Lynne Smith of Laceyville, PA, Tammy Smith of Meshoppen, PA, Audrey Miner of Mehoopany, PA, Penny Carr (Christopher) of LeRaysville, PA, Jennifer Rogers (Alan) of Springville, PA, Ricki Rodriquez (Noel) of Sugar Run, PA, and Richard "Rob" Smith (Sandy) of Indian Hill, PA; her grandchildren, Lonni Schmeckenbecher, Randi Miner, Michael Miner, Cameron Carr, Christopher Carr II, Joshua Rogers, Justin Rodriquez, and Reanne Rodriguez; her siblings Harold Salsman of Laceyville, PA, Louise Ditchburn of Wilmington, DE, Martha Adams of Golden Hill, PA, Glenn Salsman of Bloomsburg, PA, Margie Bahr of Rochester, MN, Nancy Varguson of Monroeton, PA, Thelma Larrabee of Chapel Hill, NC, Fred Salsman of Stevensville, PA, and Letha Robinson of Middletown, PA.  She is also survived by many great-grandchildren nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with her parents, Lela is preceded in death by her husband, Richard R. Smith (d. Jan. 15, 1982); her granddaughter, Jessie Marbaker (d. Sept. 6, 1997); and her siblings, Robert Salsman, Freda Stedge, and Forest Salsman.

Private services for Lela will be held at the convenience of the family with a Celebration of Life to be held on a December 1, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Wyalusing American Legion Post #534, 89 Bowling Alley Rd., Wyalusing, PA 18853.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lela's name to the Happy Tails No Kill Animal Shelter, 500 Cemetery Rd., Towanda, PA 18848.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted with the Sheldon Funeral Home, 459 Main St., Laceyville, PA 18623.