Lesley Marie

Lesley Marie was born on March 18, 1965, in Long Beach, CA, to Gary Parmenter and Diana Ruthers. She
was the first of four children. Raised in the mountains of Colorado, Lesley spent her childhood leading
her younger siblings on wondrous adventures. Exploring the world with a deep commitment to their
care and a great and humorous sense of self; traits that would become trademarks to her character.
Lesley was a lover and a leader, and she took that zeal into the life she built with her own children.
Lesley had her first child, Kali Parmenter, at age 16. Over the next eight years, Lesley had three more
babies, Diana Williams, Joseph Watters, and Jessica Watters. Lesley’s children were her reason, her love,
her devotion, and she made sure they knew she loved them, ferociously. She was a committed mother,
well into the adulthoods of her children, who built unique and rewarding relationships with each of
them.
Lesley’s love for her kids could only be rivaled by the adoration she held for her eight grandchildren.
Lesley was a grandma of legend. In each little face, Lesley witnessed splendor, and she saw to it that
each grandkid felt the intensity of her love. Lesley could often be found on great camping adventures,
renting electric scooters in faraway cities, or sitting in kiddie pools, in the backyard, with a toddler and a
smile on her face. She was the person each grandkid turned to for unconditional love and high regard.
Lesley celebrated her grandkids, at every opportunity.
Lesley Marie was an enthusiastic and hardworking woman. She had a keen intellect and an strong ability
to both lead and encourage. Lesley took this skill and gusto into her career. For many years, before her
passing, Lesley was the Finance Director at San Juan Basin Public Health. Lesley spent those years
steadfastly transforming programs and hearts, at the health department. She believed, whole-heartedly,
in the mission of public health and took great honor in her roll, there.
Lesley was a great matriarch. The momma. The daughter. The grandma, aunt, sister. She was a great
friend to all she touched. Lesley was brilliant, witty, and strong. Others looked to her and recognized her
majesty, yet she lived her life with deep kindness, absolutely welcoming to all.
Lesley passed away on September 11, 2021, in her home, in Durango, CO. She was preceded in death by
her father, Gary Parmenter, and her nephew, Luke Comerford. Lesley was survived by her mother, Diana
Ruthers, siblings, Cord Parmenter, Liz Parmenter, and Kak Parmenter, her children, Kali Parmenter,
Diana Williams, Joseph Watters, and Jessica Watters, her grandchildren Layla Apodaca, Middy Mitchell,
Cyrus Montgomery, Marion Collignon, Joseph Williams, Journey Jones, Kala Watters, and Samson
Watters, and many nieces and nephews.
Lesley was a cherished and vital member of her family and her community. Lesley was loved.
Donations to Annie’s Orphans can be made, in honor of Lesley Marie.