Laura Lynn Smelley

Laura Lynn (West) Smelley flew to Heaven to join her husband Ronald Smelley, parents Donald West and Josephine (Blommer) West, and sister in law Beverly West on May 11, 2026 at age 61, leaving heartbroken six brothers and sisters: Mark West, Sharon (and husband Joseph) Fausnight, Karen (and husband Eric) Workman, Cynthia (and husband Neil) Sigler, Joseph (and wife Michelle) West, Donald (and wife Juliet) West. Laura is survived by two sons, Stephen Williams and Nicholas Williams. She will also be missed by niece Sherry and husband Don Fennel who were a loving and significant part of her life, and many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Laura grew up in a military family in California and joined the Air Force at age 18. She proudly served her country in California and also in Australia where she comforted families whose service-member relatives lost their lives, working with them to ensure they received all the military benefits due them and respectfully returned their belongings. She loved so much about the beautiful country of Australia but was most impressed with the size of their enormous insects. Her compassionate care giving skills continued after she transitioned to civilian life in the United States. Laura became a Licensed Practical Nurse and took great joy in working at nursing homes and dialysis centers, caring for clients at critical stages in their lives. She was extremely personable and had a way of charming people around her, making their days brighter. 

The love of Laura’s life was her husband Ron, a journeyman electrician who travelled the country. He brought her to many of his long-term work sites. She got to enjoy the island life of Hawaii, the sunny beaches of Florida, the comfort of Missouri (where she picked up the local drawl) and other places within the U.S. Ron eventually brought Laura to Georgia to be near her father and sister when her mother passed away unexpectedly. Laura and Ron spent countless blissful days fishing and camping lakeside with their dogs. She mourned Ron’s passing in 2024 until the day she could join him. Laura’s happiest place on Earth was the ocean. Whether the rugged coast of California or the sandy beaches of Georgia, she never tired of feeling the wind in her hair and the salt on her skin. The sound of waves on the shore was music to her ears. Those left behind can picture her there, sitting at the water’s edge with a smile.

Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.