Amy Lacey

Amy Marie Lacey passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, after a years-long battle with cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by loved ones at HopeWest in Grand Junction, CO.

She was many things, but first and foremost, she was a mother. She lived her life for her three children, Paxton (13), Loni (10), and Cortez (7), whom she loved fiercely.

Amy was born on July 9, 1985, to Cliff and Karen Lacey. She grew up in Hotchkiss, Colorado, and had an idyllic small-town upbringing. Her love for competitive sports led her to be a three-sport athlete in high school. She competed in volleyball, track, and basketball and graduated with honors from Hotchkiss High School in 2003. She was awarded a volleyball scholarship from Colorado State University in Pueblo, CO, where she went on to study biology and chemistry and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2007.

Amy was an adventurous spirit. Soon after graduating from college, she moved to Alaska for five months and worked at a historic lodge on Hatcher Pass. From there, she spent a season working at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Lake Tahoe. Continuing her adventures, she traveled up Highway 1 on the west coast, and then on to Montana where she lived for several months before moving to Hawaii.

After two years in Hawaii, Amy returned to her hometown of Hotchkiss, CO, where she married Brandon Bell and gave birth to their three children. Their marriage later ended in divorce.

Taking her children on adventures was one of her favorite things to do. She loved camping, traveling, and exploring new places. Amy was also an educator and an entrepreneur. She was a long-term substitute teacher and Alternative Education coordinator for North Fork High School and was adored by her students. She also worked as a consultant for LimeLife by Alcone and started her own Macaron business. The idea for the business came from a bedtime story she read to her children that pictured macarons. After seeing them in the book, Paxton wanted them for his birthday, so Amy made it happen.

Amy was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in October of 2022. Less than a year after her diagnosis, her son Cortez was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and needed a bone marrow transplant. Amy bravely fought two battles at the same time; one for herself and one for her son. After months in Denver, her son Cortez was able to come home. Through it all, she was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents Jim Hudson, Carol, and Milton Lacey. She is survived by her children Paxton, Loni, and Cortez; her parents, Cliff and Karen Lacey; her brother Kevin Lacey (Brandy); her niece, Rileigh; her soul mate David Gilman and her grandmother, Jean Hudson; She is also survived by countless family members and friends.

Many people were touched by her zeal for life, her smile, and her infectious laughter. Her absence is felt deeply. A memorial service will be held for Amy on March 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall South 4th Street, Hotchkiss, CO 81419.