LouAnn Deterding

LouAnn Crider Deterding passed peacefully on February 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. The youngest of four siblings, LouAnn was born on May 16, 1938, in Wray, Colorado to Houston and Myrtle Crider.

LouAnn attended Wray schools and soon met the love of her life, LeRoy Deterding. They married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vernon, Colorado on November 7, 1954, celebrating their anniversary each year with a return to the church to reflect on their wedding day and cherish their shared life. After marrying, LouAnn and LeRoy settled a few miles north of Vernon at what is now known as Seven Lazy D Ranch. Over their 72-year marriage, they stayed on the ranch, nurturing and expanding their farm and ranch while raising four children: Kelly, Mickie, Leesa, and Jamie. The family remained steadfast in their faith and were lifelong members of Calvary Lutheran Church.

LouAnn devoted her life to her family, supporting LeRoy in their farming and ranching, and imparting strong work ethics and values to their children. She inspired them to pursue life's possibilities, always keeping humor, joy, and playfulness close, which stayed with her until her final days. Despite the challenges of farm and ranch life, LouAnn spent many happy moments snowmobiling, ice skating, fishing and camping at Pilkington’s and Crider’s Lake with family, hiking and horseback riding through the canyons. Waterskiing and boating brought her special delight, especially at Bonny Reservoir and during the 12 years at their place on Lake McConaughy. LouAnn and LeRoy marked the purchase of the Kelley Ranch forty-two years ago as a significant milestone, recalling it simply as "a good day."

LouAnn found immense happiness when her grandchildren Kelsey-Ann, Kacey LouAnn, Kameron, Jackson, Bailey, and Elise entered her life. The joy they brought was matched by the wonderful memories she created for them, especially in the kitchen where flour, rolling pins, and cookie cutters were often in motion. Family gatherings frequently took place around the dinner table, where everyone enjoyed her celebrated cooking. Her recipes are cherished family treasures, destined to be handed down but never quite replicated. Together, the family shared countless lively vacations, such as LouAnn and LeRoy’s 50th anniversary cruise, trips to Yellowstone, the beaches of North Carolina, and the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. Campfires, s’mores, boogie boarding, building sandcastles, and adventures at The Deterding Fort all remain unforgettable experiences. The tradition of beach vacations contributed to the acquisition of a beach home in North Carolina, which provided LouAnn and LeRoy with meaningful memories over a twelve-year period.

LouAnn demonstrated her skills through meticulously maintained flower gardens and the landscape surrounding their home. The backyard served as the venue for the weddings of Mickie and Leesa, reflecting her talent for hosting and artistic attention to detail. Following the destruction of their home by fire in 1980, LouAnn and LeRoy chose to remain at their homestead location. LouAnn designed their current home, which was completed in 1982. The house fire marked the beginning of LouAnn’s career as an antique expert and appraiser, during which she attended and held numerous auctions to acquire distinctive pieces for their home. This pursuit ultimately resulted in the formation of several notable antique collections, bringing her both satisfaction and joy.

LouAnn and LeRoy maintained strong relationships with numerous friends and neighbors. Although their gatherings were typically refined, the Cold Duck parties represented a notable exception. Together with Mary Jane Groves, LouAnn demonstrated a capacity for hosting lively occasions. Their residence served as the venue for many Christmas open houses, baby and bridal showers, as well as dinner parties, all organized with great care.

LouAnn served as President of the East Yuma County Historical Society for 20 years and as a board member for 22 years, providing valuable leadership throughout her tenure. During this period, the Wray Museum underwent significant development, with LouAnn playing a pivotal role in initiatives such as establishing the Prairie Chicken Tours, constructing the general store, creating the photo gallery, and other projects. LeRoy consistently supported these efforts as a dedicated volunteer for the Wray Museum. Additionally, LouAnn actively contributed to PEO, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School as an educator.

LouAnn is survived by her devoted husband, LeRoy, as well as her children: Kelly (Deborah) Deterding, Mickie (Wes) Hunter, Leesa (Wes Robbins) Deterding, and Jamie (Anne) Deterding; brother-in-law Bill Deterding and sisters-in-law Florence Deterding and Elaine Crider. She will always be remembered by her grandchildren Kelsey-Ann (Nicholas) Williams, Kacey LouAnn (Brandon) Hanslik, Kameron (Kayleigh) Deterding, Jackson Deterding, Bailey Deterding, and Elise Deterding and her great-grandchildren Luke Williams, Isaac Williams, Beckham Hanslik, and Emersyn LouAnn Hanslik. In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

In her final years, LouAnn and her family felt truly blessed by the kind companionship of Sandra Garcia, whose presence brightened even her most challenging days. LouAnn and her family also cherished Nereida Castaneda's steadfast loyalty and friendship that spanned more than two decades.

LouAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Houston and Myrtle Crider, sisters and brothers-in-law Iris Jean (Marvin) Renzelman, Sandra (Sam) Ming, and brother Bryce Crider, and niece Cathy Renzelman Wilson.