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Patti Christensen

Patti Christensen passed away on June 24, 2015. She was born on March 22, 1946 in Kansas City, MO. Her brother Michael DeRubertis, father Albert DeRubertis, and mother Alma Lohr predeceased her and her husband Bruce Christensen of Glenwood Springs, survives her. She and Bruce were married in Granby, Colorado in 1970 and moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1979. Patti loved animals, international travel, art, literature and especially music. Her favorites ran from Bach to Janice Joplin to George Jones. For many years she found great joy in participating in the annual performances of the Messiah and spring concerts with the Aspen Choral Society.

Patti earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science degrees from Kansas State University where she was selected for membership in several academic honor societies. She was a strong supporter of education and believed that lifelong learning not only empowered individuals but also contributed to a more informed and tolerant society. Patti was initially employed by Colorado Mountain College as the director of the Women in Transition program and later founded the Gateway program at the college. Through these she helped hundreds of women achieve self-sufficiency and enjoy a greater quality of life. In conjunction with this work, she was frequently asked to provide presentations regarding her innovative approaches at conferences throughout the United States. She spent her final full time working years as a Division Director for the college and retired in 2004. However, she continued to teach English as an adjunct faculty member following her retirement.

Patti had a very positive impact on our community and the many who loved her, and all will miss her. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Glenwood Springs at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11. Please consider a gift to the Valley View Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.