Lauren "Old One" Dean

Lauren Clair Dean, 78, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. Born in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, Lauren was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Lauren proudly worked over 25 years as a customer service representative at Apria Health Care from which she retired. She will be remembered for her great love of animals, her kind spirit, quick wit, and unmistakable laugh. Among family, she was affectionately known as “The Old One,” a nickname she carried with humor and pride. Lauren enjoyed watching football with her family and took great pleasure in crafting—often repurposing everyday items into what she liked to call “a thing of beauty.” She was never shy about offering advice, especially when she felt someone could benefit from her wisdom. Her family will always remember one of her most endearing quirks: she had a strong dislike for the sound of people chewing ice. Her siblings, knowing this well, would take every opportunity to do so just to provoke her—usually earning an immediate and spirited reaction from Lauren, who would swat at the nearest offender with whatever happened to be within reach. She is survived by her son, David Scott Sterrett (Judith); stepson Brian Seville; and stepdaughter Pam Scott (Tom). She also leaves behind her grandchildren Chelsie Irsik (Jacob), Cameron Wills, Wendy, Benjamin, Dakota, Stephanie, Blake Sterrett (Gemma), and Maddie Seville; and great-grandchildren Graysen, Noah, Skylure, Miles, Charles, Zachary, and Emmy Lou. Lauren is also survived by her siblings Randall G. Ledy (Lucie), Mary L. Williams, Carol L. Mares (Tony), and Candace M. Chambers (Charles), along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Dean; her children Rebecca Katherine Sterrett and Joshua Timothy Sterrett; her parents Milton and Demarius Ledy; Stepmother Betty Ledy, and her nephews Robert Randall Ledy and Brian Milton Williams. The family wishes to thank Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery – Chapel Hill for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lauren’s memory to Foothills Animal Shelter, 580 McIntyre St, Golden, CO 80401, https://foothillsanimalshelter.org