Amy Lee Durfee West

Amy Durfee West, (nee McElheny), age 63, died Sunday, January 14, 2018 at her home in Denver, surrounded by her family. Amy was born May 2, 1954, in Denver, CO. She was the second child of four to Richard and Evelyn (Gagos) McElheny. She was a lifelong student, a passionate activist, a lawyer-turned-pastor, a strident advocate for justice, and a dedicated mother. Amy expressed herself with creative hobbies - including writing, knitting, cooking, and singing in choir. Amy was a patient gardener, generous entertainer and natural teacher. One of her last blog posts, written after discovering her brain metastases, said “Be good to one another. Take nothing for granted. Be grateful, and stay in the light.” Amy was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother, Ross McElheny, and her younger sister Nancy Lange. She is survived by younger brother, Lloyd; and her five children, Casey, Benjamin, Efegholo, Lillian, and Jesse. A memorial service will be held Sunday January 21, 2018 at Washington Park United Church of Christ, 400 S Williams St, Denver, CO 80209 at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Poverty Consortium or the Children’s Defense Fund. Please share memories of Amy and condolences with her family in the Guestbook.