Lela Belle Carey, 89, a 27-year resident of Whidbey Island, died Feb. 20, 2006 at Homeplace Special Care Center.

Mrs. Carey was born in Tulsa, Okla., on July 19, 1926, to John Howard Purgason and Callie Belle (Ward) Purgason, the second-eldest of seven children. She graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City. Lela married Gene Smith in Ada, Okla., and they owned the Smith Funeral Home in Ada. She moved to Freeland in 1979, and ran the Mutiny Bay resort for four years. She was a member of the South Whidbey Rod and Gun Club. She enjoyed decorating for the Activity Club of Freeland.

Lela is survived by her partner of 40 years, Al Smith, of Freeland; one son, William Lawson of Granite Falls and one daughter, Susan Blanchard and husband Chris of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; two grandchildren, Shannon Lawson of Greenbank and Sean Lawson and wife Ann of Freeland; three grandchildren, Ariez Lawson, Caleb and Isaac Spears; one sister, Billie Wright of Oak Harbor.

In keeping with her wishes, no service will be held. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.