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Gabriella ‘Ella’ Irie Rain Smith, 17

September 10, 2001 – October 24, 2018

Gabriella “Ella” Irie Rain Smith died on the evening of Oct. 24, 2018, in Poulsbo, Wash. She was 17 years old. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Dolly Smith and grandfather, Gerald “Rick” Lee Beattie.

Ella was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was beloved by her parents, Colleen Smith and Rob Bennett, and a huge circle of friends and family. An accomplished musician, Ella was given a toy set of drums at three and immediately demonstrated innate talent. Left-handed and self taught, Ella formed her first band with friends in fifth grade. The band underwent several iterations and name changes between 2011 and 2018, but Ella’s talent and passion for music was constant.

Ella attended Gordon Elementary, Kingston Middle School and Kingston High School, and was excited to be beginning her junior year at Olympic College’s Running Start Program. She was an important member of the Kingston Middle and High School Concert and Marching bands percussion sections and the Blackwood Backbeats Drumline. Her talent and love for her guitar, her drums and songwriting was matched only by her love of the Deftones and Alexis.

She is survived by her mother and father, Colleen Smith and Robert Bennet; siblings, Vinnie and Gwen Bennett; grandparents, John and Laura Smith and Judy Vinchinsky; great-grandmother, Coy and her bandmates, Jassiah Smith, Ethan Taylor and Oliver Hall, who loved her like a sister. They mourn her beside a huge village of friends, teachers and fans.

Ella will be remembered as a breathtakingly gifted musician and a kind and loving friend. Her family and community will miss her beyond words, forever. Heaven is more beautiful and undoubtedly much louder with her there.

A celebration of life will be held in the Kingston area at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2018, at the Indianola Clubhouse, 19876 Indianola Road NE., Indianola, WA 98342.

Condolences to the family may be sent to 6205 NE State Highway 104, Kingston, WA 98346.