Mildred Lauritsen

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.

A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Lone Star Cemetery, North of Gem, KS, with a reception at 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Basement, Colby. In the case of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution to Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Association or Colby Presbyterian Church in her name. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com