February 5, 1950 – September 1, 2023

Debra Denise Penrose (Caltrider) of Battlement Mesa, Colorado passed away peacefully at Hope West in Grand Junction on September 1, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, David Penrose; Daughters Beth (Javier Carrasco) and Eryn (Jeff Alexander); Grandchildren: Peyton and Molly (Beth), Wesley and Whitney (Eryn), Haston (Morgan) Ari, Faith, Tobias, and Constantine; Sisters Darcie (Stephen Ash) and Daryn (Jeff Deem); Nieces and nephews Logan, Lexi and Ethan (Darcie), Preston and Parker (Daryn) as well as several great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Wade and Betsy Caltrider; Son, Morgan Penrose; Brother-in-law, Jeff Deem.

Debra was born February 5, 1950 to Wade and Betsy Caltrider in Marietta, Ohio. Always the kind and caring person, she helped raise her sisters while in high school. She maintained very good grades while participating in Marching band. After graduating High School in 1968, she attended the Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Zanesville, Ohio. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1971.

David and Debra started dating while they were in high school and the high school sweethearts married on November 25, 1971. Together, they shared many trials and tribulations but had a strong marriage for almost 52 years. They raised three kids together and supported each other in their aspirations.

Never standing still, Debra continued her education while working on the floor as an RN. She was very active in the national philanthropic and social organization, Phi Tau Omega Sorority. In 1978, she received her Bachelor of Science (double major) in Nursing and Health Care Management from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado. She attended University of Phoenix and received her Master of Science in Nursing with honors in Nursing Education and Management in 1998. After she received her Master’s, she shared her nursing knowledge by overseeing and teaching the Certified Nursing Assistant training program for all of Colorado.

Church and God have always been a big part of Debras life. She has taught attended services, taught Sunday School, help plan and run Bible Schools, and attended Bible Study. Her faith was very important to her, and she loved her Hymns and listening to the sermons on Sundays.

Debra was an intelligent, funny, kind and caring person who touched many lives. She loved her family tremendously, being a wife, daughter, sister, mommy, aunt, and Granny. When a family member or friend needed help, she was always there without hesitation. With the most infectious smile and laugh, she could light up any room that she was in. She loved reading romance novels and traveling. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life will be held at Grand Valley United Methodist Church (132 Parachute Ave, Parachute, CO) on September 30 at 1pm with Pastor Michael Ingersoll officiating.

Donations can be made to Grand Valley United Methodist Church (GVMC) Vacation Bible School (VBS).