Evelyn Jule Smith-Lauritsen

Evelyn Jule Smith-Lauritsen, 85, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Evelyn lived a life full of heart, humor, and dedication to her family and community.

Born on September 3, 1939, in Oakland, California, Evelyn was the daughter of Jack and Jule Smith and sister to Jack Smith. She spent much of her childhood in Saudi Arabia, where her father worked for Aramco Oil Company, before returning to the United States at the age of 14.

She married Darrell Lauritsen of Napa, California, on June 8, 1957. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children: Michael (Kathy) Lauritsen of Dayton, NV; Chris (Linda) Lauritsen of Napa, CA; and Lori (Gregory—her favorite son-in-law) Gelow of Napa, CA. Evelyn and Darrell were active in the Napa Ski Club, the Napa Elks Lodge, and the Napa Emblem Club. Evelyn was also a proud member of the Red Hats of Napa. Darrell passed away in 2003.

Later in life, Evelyn reconnected with Richard Fulton, a childhood friend from her time in Saudi Arabia. They shared 20 wonderful years of marriage together.

Evelyn was known for her keen eye for fashion and warm customer service at Roberta Dress Shop in downtown Napa. She later helped open See’s Candies, where she worked for five years. She then went on to help her daughter and son-in-law run Wagon Wheel Market and Deli, where she became famous for her brisket sandwiches and homemade potato salad—made fresh daily alongside her granddaughter Jacqueline before the school bus came to pick her up.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Richard Fulton; her brother Jack Smith; her children and their spouses: Michael and Kathy Lauritsen, Chris and Linda Lauritsen, and Lori and Gregory Gelow; and Leslie Fassio (bonus daughter) and her grandchildren Ashley (David) Boelter, Jillian (Bobby) Hanke, Jacqueline (Jason) Gelow-Haggard, Michael (Joyce) Gelow, and Grant Gelow. She was also the proud great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren and will be remembered for her unconditional love, her sense of humor, and the way she brought people together—especially around her kitchen table.

Richard and Evelyn were residents at The Springs Retirement Center, where they treasured many years of friendship and community. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Holly Smith, Michele Olivieri, and Angela Kirgiorgis for the love and care they so generously gave to both Evelyn and Richard.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Her children will be having a private celebration of her life with each other and their children.

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