Laurie Ann Sawtelle-DeRush

Laurie was born on June 13, 1968, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Douglas and Charlene (Pinkerton) Sawtelle. She spent her childhood in Grand Junction, attending Nisley Elementary School and graduating from Grand Junction High School. She briefly attended Colorado University in Boulder, and later received her degree as a registered nurse from Mesa State College. She found her work in the healthcare industry to be incredibly rewarding, and made many strong connections along the way. On June 14, 2018, Laurie married the love of her life, Bruce DeRush, in Grand Junction. Bruce and Laurie treasured their time together and enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing in their free time. Laurie also loved watching British TV and crime shows, good comedy (her favorites were Ricky Gervais, Robin Williams, and Monty Python), and punk rock music. She and Bruce travelled to Las Vegas in 2018 so that she could see her favorite singer; Adam Ant. Laurie was incredibly strong and quick to help anyone in need. She had an especially soft heart for women who were abused and all her patients. She will truly be missed.

Laurie is survived by her husband, Bruce DeRush; stepdaughter, Taylor DeRush Sheets of Warsaw, Indiana; sister, Connie Miracle of Grand Junction; numerous cousins; and many friends to treasure her memory. She is preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Charlene Sawtelle; and her sister, Lisa Gage.

Laurie had a message for those she loved, “Thank you kindly for your words and prayers. I pray you all have love and peace in your life and hearts, and that it guides you through this life with strength. Please take time to find gratitude in your hearts, and pass on the good juju!”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Sawtelle family.