Dad’s Valentine is in Heaven
For sixty-nine years,
Mom was the apple of his eye.
They spent each day together,
Showing love throughout their lives.
The very best of friends
As any could attest
A farmer’s wife and mother
Most would say, the very best.
They had a love that few will know,
And now that time has come.
Dad’s valentine went to heaven,
Her final home above.
-Kevin Lauritsen
Mildred F. “Millie” Smith Lauritsen was born in Colby, Kansas on July
13, 1934 to parents, Theodore A. Smith and Rosella M. Graham Smith. She
married Joseph Wayne Lauritsen on December 29, 1951 and joined Wayne
who was serving in the Navy. After returning home they worked the
Lauritsen family farm where they raised two children, Kevin and Kathy.
Actively involved in the community and in their children’s lives, they
supported the Gem 4H club, Gem Lions Club, Golden Plains High School,
Rexford and were actively involved in the Presbyterian Church in Colby.
Anyone who knew her and saw them together would quickly recognize that
they genuinely loved and adored each other.
Music was always a part of our family. In addition to playing the
piano, in later years, Mom learned to play the Autoharp and Dobro when
they formed the band, Sappa Strings. Together as one of the founding
families of the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival in Colby, they
became a staple to the annual talent lineup. With the help of our
extended family, Bob and Susie McLemore, Dad and Mom made their first CD
that focused on the music they loved and grew up with.
During the last year, Mom was admitted to Colby Health and Rehab for
Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, on February 13 Mom was promoted to
Heaven. She is survived by my Dad, Wayne and myself, Kevin, my wife
Darlene, Daughter-in-law, her grandson, my son Ayssah. She joined my
sister Kathy, her Mother and Father and her brother Milton Smith in
heaven.
Throughout her life Mom never stopped learning. Returning to school, in
her 40’s, she became a licensed beautician and opened County Beauty
Salon. Later returning to school again, she attended Colby Community
College.
Mom will be sorely missed by all our family and friends in the
community. I’ve never known a husband and wife who were more devoted to
each other than my parents. One of their favorite songs was “Look at
Us”, by Vince Gill.
Due to Covid, we will be holding a graveside service the week of March
15. We will put a notice in the paper when we have an exact date. In
lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution to Pickin’ on
the Plains Bluegrass Association and Colby Presbyterian Church in her
name.