Evelyn Miller Smoll

Evelyn Ortt Smoll, 105 (just weeks away from turning 106), passed away on July 28, 2026 at Franklin Court Quakertown surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on August 23, 1920 in Allentown to Alice and Melvin Ortt. The family moved to Trumbauersville in 1927. She was greeted into her heavenly home by those who went before her: her beloved husband, Roydon, as well as her parents, siblings Eugene Ortt, Betty Taylor and Clair Ortt and daughter-in-law Christine Lambiotte. She is survived by her sister Diane Landis (Jerry), son Richard, daughter Betty Christian (Bob) and five grandchildren - Amanda, Melanie, Robb, Nicolas, and Laetitia, as well as her cousin Esther Clymer and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was a proud and active Quakertown High School graduate of the class of 1938. She went on to attend Bethlehem Business College. She subsequently worked as a secretary at Bethlehem Steel, where she met her husband Roydon. They were married during the war in 1944, and he was immediately shipped off to Iwo Jima. Upon his return after WWII ended, they made their home in Bethlehem for 52 years. Evelyn was a wonderful mother who loved fully and without condition.

Evelyn had an intense curiosity that led to extensive travel including many trips to Europe, with extended stays in Switzerland visiting her son and his family. After her husband’s death, she traveled with her children and their families to Hong Kong, Australia, the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the U.S. She spent many wonderful summers in Beach Haven, NJ.

Evelyn had a deep and sustaining faith in God, to whom she always attributed her many blessings. She was an active member at Blessed Trinity at Rosemont Church, Bethlehem, for 50 years. After moving back to Quakertown, she became an enthusiastic volunteer as a member of Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. Participating in the choir fulfilled her lifelong appreciation for music (and specifically singing harmony as an alto!). The joy for singing and playing the piano was nurtured by her parents and siblings, and she passed that same deep love for music on to her children and grandchildren.

She was humble and deeply compassionate of all those in the world around her, including the squirrels and birds outside her window. She was generous as well as strongly determined. She kept a sharp and open mind by reading the newspaper, watching “Jeopardy”, and following the latest world current events, which led her to be adaptive and accepting of the changes in the world around her throughout her life. Evelyn was also exceptionally eloquent, choosing her words with an elegance and beauty that felt like a rare gift in modern times.

She had boundless energy well into her senior years, and it was often remarked that even those much younger than her would have a hard time keeping up with her on a walk. She attributed her long life to a healthy diet, including 22 blueberries every day, walking and doing Tai Chi on a daily basis, and being a lifelong learner. She lived by a simple grace, choosing never to speak ill of anyone or anything, and often repeated the mantras “one day at a time” and “an attitude of gratitude” up until her very last days.

The last 12 years of her life were joyfully spent at Franklin Court/Independence Court in Quakertown with her brother Eugene and sister Betty. She was fully engaged in the many activities provided by the staff (Charlene) and grateful for the abundant love and care she received there from the residents, the staff, and Sue and Cheryl of VITAS Hospice.

Evelyn had an uncommonly pure heart with a light that shone from it and touched all those privileged to know her. She will be forever missed.

All are invited on Saturday, August 15, 2026 to Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 218 E. Broad St., Trumbauersville, PA 18970, for a visitation from 9:00-10:55am, and a memorial service at 11:00am. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, www.NaugleFCS.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trumbauersville or Polycystic Kidney Foundation.