L. Loyette Bertroch

Lynetta Loyette Bertroch, 73, took the Lord’s hand on Jan. 27, ending her battle with cancer. Born in Glenwood Springs, she entered the world at a dangerously low birth weight and the lone survivor of a set of twins. A host of friends and family “Guardian Angels” tended to the tiny newborn around the clock. She remained petite and resilient her whole life.

“My Babe” to her father, John Bertroch; “Ette” to her mother, Alveda Bertroch; and beloved little sister to Alveda, Annie and Alden, she was known as Loyette to most people. Raised in Gypsum, Loyette was active in 4-H and Rainbow Girls. When she wasn’t camping or arrowhead- hunting with her family, Loyette could be found sledding on Red Hill with her sisters and brother or trouncing house-to-house with neighborhood friends.

Loyette spent her adult life in Palisade. Her attention to detail and sharp memory made her a successful security officer. She worked first at Walker Field Airport, then for 15 years at the Department of Energy compound on Orchard Mesa. Later in life, Loyette became a favorite Avon lady—dispensing mood-lifting Sweet Honesty cologne and Pink Berry lipstick.

From her marriage to Gary Sheley, Loyette had son Patrick Sheley. Loyette and Patrick remained close friends and mutual caregivers over decades, with their shared sass and humor lifting each other up. Patrick was alongside her providing support during her cancer treatment.

A loyal friend, Loyette had long-lasting friendships and was close to her Bertroch cousins. Many happy weekends, too, were spent with family at her parents’ Glade Park cabin. Crafting was a favorite hobby, and Loyette had a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord.

Loyette was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Upon receiving her cancer diagnosis, Loyette remarked, “It’s all in the Lord’s hands.” Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Palisade Cemetery, 3529 Front St. Afterward, friends and family are invited to gather for a noon luncheon and remembrance at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 3076 E ½ Road, Grand Junction.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated toward Loyette’s funeral expenses in care of: Patrick Sheley, P.O. Box 385, Palisade, CO, 81526. Or, Loyette can be honored through a donation to HopeWest Hospice at hopewestco.org or a donated item to Heirlooms for Hospice, 635 Main St.