Danelle Lunt-Thomas, 52, of Lochbuie, Colorado, died September 14th in a traffic accident.

She was born on December 16th, 1962, to Wayne and Jessie Lunt. She went to Durango High School. She had a daughter Ashley with her first husband, Steven Waller. Danelle lived in the Colorado area for several years.

Viewing the colors of fall leaves, hiking, fishing, and off-roading were some of her favorite activities. She eventually married Dan Thomas. They lived together in Arizona and then Colorado with their three rambunctious dogs. For most of her life she worked as a nurse. Danelle cared deeply for children and believed that children should come first. Her work as a nurse within the school districts of Chandler and Denver touched the lives of many. To her family she was a bright light in the darkness, a smile amongst all of the frowns, and a smart remark to lighten the mood. She knew what to say to help you through tough moments. Her own tough moments were handled with the strength of character she inherited from her mother and father. This strength, and her easy smiles and laughter, made a lasting impression on those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her mother Jessie, her father Wayne, and her brothers Ivan and Barry. She is survived by her husband Dan, her daughter Ashley, her brothers Brent and Roger, her nieces and nephews, and hundreds of students who benefited from her nursing efforts.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, at the Brighton United Methodist Church, 625 South 8th Avenue, Brighton, CO.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements