Obituary for Laulette Evans Ginn
Laulette Evans Ginn, beloved by her family; a counselor, educator, and community member, passed away on February 10, 2026, in Sonora, California, at the age of 89. Born in 1936 in Sepastopol, California to Bernard Evans and Edna Zulandt, Laulette’s life was marked by her dedication to family, education, and service.
After graduating from high school in 1953, Laulette attended Santa Rosa Junior College and later earned her BA in Physical Education from San Jose State University in 1959. Her passion for learning led her to the University of Santa Clara, where she received her MA in Education in 1970. She started her career in the Campbell Union High School District in 1959 through 1970.
Laulette’s career continued as a counselor at Sonora High School, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and wisdom. Even after her retirement in June 1992, she continued to support Sonora High School and taught at Columbia College, always eager to help students succeed.
A resident of Sonora for 56 years, Laulette was deeply involved in her community. Alongside her husband, Melvin Ginn, she organized an annual U.S. history trip for Sonora High School students, a tradition that spanned over 12 years and enriched the lives of more than 350 young people with journeys to historical sites along the East Coast.
Laulette’s love for the outdoors was evident in her passion for camping and exploring both mountains and oceans. She cherished time spent in nature and shared these adventures with family and friends.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Melvin Ginn of Sonora, California; her children Joel Hicks (Sonora), Melvin Ginn Jr. (Sonora), Jennifer Arnold (Jamestown), Jeffrey Ginn (Livermore), and Robert Ginn (Sonora); eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren; brother Bill Evans and sister Jeanie Hilmes. Laulette was preceded in death by her first husband, Roger L. Hicks (1973); her son, Jeffrey Hicks (1982); and her brother, Barney Evans (2012).
Laulette’s warmth, generosity, and adventurous spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the family she loved, and the community she served.
Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00pm at Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home 225 East Rose Ave., Sonora, California with a reception to follow.
