Laura Ella Schmelzer, 96, passed away on June 1, 2011 in Kennewick, Washington. She was born on May 25, 1915in Sand Hills, Washington to Cyril and Minnie Blair. She was a lifelong Kennewick resident. On September 27, 1930, she married John R. Schmelzer. They were married 65 years until he passed away. Laura is survived by her eight children; daughters, Loretta Hesse, Plummer, MN, Carol Berna, Kennewick, WA, Jean Pacheco, Olympia, WA, Sandra Terry Kirkwood, Kennewick, WA and sons, Arnold, John Glenda, David Margaret, all of Kennewick, WA and Allen Jeri Ann Spokane, WA. Sister, Dorothy Nowak, Liberty Lake, WA and sister-in-law Winnie Blair. 26 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Our mom was a devoted wife and mother. She raised eight children always having time to play and to teach us what she knew. We were raised in a good Christian home. She has left us all with an abundance of wonderful memories. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park located at 1401 S. Union, Kennewick, WA.