Carita Sue LaVelle

Carita Sue Stewart (Walch) LaVelle was born 10.23.1934 to Cecil and Florence Stewart in Coffeyville, Kansas and died at her home on February 16, 2024. Her family moved to Rawlins Wyoming in the 40’s. She graduated High School there and then headed to Denver St. Lukes for her Bachelor of Nursing. She has one fabulous baby brother Charles (Darlene) Stewart Tampa, Florida. In 1956 she met and married James Walch. After they married, Carita was a nurse in Rawlins and Cheyenne Wyoming. When they relocated to Pueblo, CO in 1967, she began a 17-year career with Planned Parenthood. She became the first Nurse Practitioner in Pueblo because she couldn’t get doctors to conduct exams, so she took matters into her own hands. For over 30 years she was in private practice with her dear friend, Dr Michael Rendler, specializing in women’s health. Retirement at the age of 80 left her sad and lonely. When recently asked what she missed most in her life, she said “working with Dr. Rendler.” In 1981 she married the love of her life, James LaVelle. They had a blissful 4 years before a heart attack took him from her. Perhaps her greatest talent was as a mother. She raised 2 children, Teri (Bill) Walch-Sabo and Charles (Dodi) Walch. She had bonus daughters that she adored; Paula, MinDee, Juanita, Holly B, Marge, Holly E, Natalie, and Kris. She had 2 grandchildren Gwyneth (Fred) Hall and David Walch. She also housed several 5th year senior basketball players from CSU-Pueblo so they could get their degree after their scholarship ended: Denfield, Tommie and Byron. But her greatest joy was those that called her Oma; Eric, Gwyneth, David, Max, Gydeon, Alexis, Brytny, A.J, Mikala, Madeleine, Sophie, Reed, and Ava. If you knew her, she was your friend. She was preceded in death by these friends; Peggy, Daphne, Diane, Barb, Jack, Gayle and Larry. She loved to travel with her friend Donna, go to Bronco/CSU-P games with Bill and Teri, symphonies with Chuck and Dodi and talk on the phone with anyone who had a few hours. Please don’t be sad. Carita lived a great life with wonderful friends and family, important work, and a very full social life. Donations can be made to Planned Parenthood or the CSU-Pueblo Athletic Department in Carita’s name. Celebration of life will be February 23, 2024 @ 11:00am Imperial Funeral Home.