With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Laurie Miller Austin, who passed away peacefully in her home on February 25, 2026, surrounded by love, family, and friends in her last weeks, at the age of 80, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. Her son held her hand as she entered the gates of heaven, just as she would have wanted.

She was born on August 26, 1945, in Paris, France, to Yoska Nemeth and Jaqueline Leferbvre. Her parents separated when she was young, and her mom remarried US Serviceman Bill Miller, who would later adopt Laurie and her two younger brothers, Phillip and Pat. They came to America through Ellis Island in 1958, when Laurie was just 13 years old, and they settled in Baltimore, Maryland, but soon relocated to Denver, Colorado. She attended Lakewood High School, and soon after graduating, she joined the US Navy.

In 1968, Laurie became a mother to her son, Steve Miller, a role she cherished deeply. When Steve turned 12, she realized city life wasn't for them, and she moved her and her son to Montrose, Colorado, where she finally felt like she found her home.

She dedicated her life to raising Steve and worked hard to provide for him as a single mom. She worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, where she met the love of her life, Don Austin, of Montrose. After retirement, Laurie found her next greatest joy in life, volunteering for the Montrose Animal Shelter. Here she met her people, the people who would grow to love and treat her like family. She belonged there, and she knew it. Laurie loved animals and had the most gentle, caring hands with them. She knew no strangers, people, or animals.

She is survived by her loving son, Steve Miller (Kristie), her grandchildren Matt Miller and Katy Daniels (Ryan), and her six great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her "greats": Kayden, Brody, Kenadeigh, Haddley, Kori, and Mollie Jo. Laurie is also survived by her brother Pat Miller, a nephew, and many nieces, along with many extended family members and friends who became family, who will all carry her memory forward. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, many family members, and all of her beloved pets.

Her life was full of laughter and joy. She showed kindness to everyone she met; it was her favorite thing to do. Laurie was human sunshine, bringing a smile to everyone she met. Let us all live like Laurie, happy, full of joy, and spread love and sunshine to all.

A Funeral Service is scheduled on March 20, 2026 at 11:00AM at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Grand View Cemetery. 

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Montrose Animal Shelter.