Dixie Lorraine Sturman

Dixie Rutherford Sturman passed away December 6, 2017 at Southwest Memorial Hospital, after a long and happy life. Dixie was born at the family home in Lewis, Colorado on June 27, 1924, and was a lifelong resident of Montezuma County, leaving only for nurses training during WW2 (although she graduated just weeks before the war ended), and working four years in California. Shortly after returning to Colorado, she met and married James W. Sturman, together they raised four children. Dixie retired in 1997, after more than 52 years in nursing. Dixie devoted her life to caring for others, not only patients at Dr. E.G. Merritt's office, where she worked for 40 years, but many friends and family, and as a volunteer for Hospice of Montezuma County. Dixie always saw the best in people, and passed on to her children a commitment to community and volunteerism. Dixie was predeceased by her husband, James; parents, W. G. and Roxie Rutherford; and siblings, Elizabeth Betty Duncan, Robert Rutherford, Russell Rutherford and Jo Rutherford. Dixie is survived by her sister, Jean Martin; her four children, Patricia Wilkie, Gloria Sturman, Bill (Julie) Sturman and Brad (Tamara) Sturman; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family very much appreciates the staff and residents at Madison House where Dixie enjoyed living for the last 17 months, and the dedicated nursing staff at Southwest Memorial Hospital, who were so kind and compassionate in caring for Dixie. Services were held on Saturday December 9, 2017 at the Ertel Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Dixie's name to Hospice of Montezuma County.