Torrie West
Torrie Ann West, 49, Minot, died Monday, September 24, 2012 in a Minot nursing home.
Torrie was born July 29, 1963, in Minot, ND the daughter of James T. and Karen (Peterson) West. She attended Nedrose and Sunnyside Schools and graduated from Minot High School in 1981. At age 3, she began dancing lessons at the Virginia Maupin Dance Studio in Minot and following high school she taught dance in several communities around Minot. In addition to being a dance instructor, she was also a ND Junior Miss Advisor.
Torrie began her employment with Pioneer Engraving in the early 1980’s working her way to management and ownership of the business in 1987. She married Brian Sturm in 1990. Throughout the years she supported many groups and organizations with awards and trophies recognizing individuals and teams for their accomplishments. Due to her health, she closed the business in 2011.
Torrie was involved in the community with attendance at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church and as a member of Bread Of Life Lutheran Church, Minot. She was an active and founding member of the Magic City Optimist Club, which later merged with the Minot Optimist Club for men and women, serving the club as a past president.
Torrie enjoyed reading and spending time with family and friends. She was a volunteer at the Souris Valley Animal Shelter and was an advocate for the training of service dogs. Torrie also served on the Minot Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilites and was a recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. She will be missed by all who shared in her life.
Loving survivors include: Brian Sturm, Minot; father, James T. (Gloria) West, Minot, aunts, Joan (Arlo) Stevick and Merle Slade, both of Minot; many other uncles and cousins that include, Brent (Alexis) Slade, Des Moines, Iowa, Amy (Chris) Ralph, Burlington, Jay (Becca) Slade, Grand Forks, and Suzie Stevick, Minot, and her companion/service dog Raymond.
Torrie was preceded in death by her mother, Karen West, her grandparents, Raymond and Mildred Peterson and several aunts and uncles.
Celebration of Life service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot, ND.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, September 28, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research or to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter of Minot.
Guestbook / Messages
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| Message | We would like to extend our sympathies to Torrie's family. Aunt Rosie saved the obituary for us. I am sorry that this comes to you so late as I have just found out that Torrie died. God Bless and Take Care, Patty and Kent Katalinick |
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| Message | I am so sorry to hear about Torrie's passing. I remember when you, Jim, worked at the hotel and she came in to visit one day, how her smile lit up the entire lobby! She was so sweet and I am very sorry for your loss. With love, Tiffany |
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| Message | So sorry to hear aboutTorrie. She was always so sweet and had a great smile. Our thoughts are with you and your family. |
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| Message | So sorry about Torrie. My thoughts are so with you. Jill |
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| Message | We are so grateful that we had the honor of knowing Torrie the last 16 years...from working with Orville and Torrie, to seeing the blossoming relationship between Raymond and Torrie, she has been such an inspiration! Her smile and spirit will never be forgotten... |
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| Message | My thoughts and prayers are with all of Torrie's family. I was around 5 when Jim and Karen were my babysitters....I can remember Torrie being there and me looking up to her. She was 5 yrs older than me and I wanted to do everything she did! She will be missed. |
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| Message | I am a "shirtail cousin" of Torrie. I remember her as the cutest little red head baby EVER. Her example of courage will be her legacy. God bless Torrie and her family. |
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| Message | Jim & Brian....Was shocked when my Mother gave me the news about your Torrie. Jim, I remember well when that little redhead came to work with us at Pioneer...such a doll. And Brian, I remember when she started dating you...Oh My!! She will be deeply missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to you. |
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| Message | My thouhts and prayers go out to the whole family and especially Brian and Torrie's father. I had the great joy of working for Torrie back in the late 80's. Torrie was an AMAZING woman and so full of life and strength. Heaven will be gaining an amazing and beautiful angel. My deepest sympathy, Lenaye |
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| Message | I am so sorry to hear that Torrie passed away. She was the original optimist in every sense of the word. She had a hardy laugh and was always upbeat, even when you knew she was in pain.
I saw Torrie in the Cencer Treatment Center last winter when Jon was there. Cancer is an evil disease without com-passion. I prayed for her then and since then.
My sympathies are with you.
Melody Kuehn |
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| Message | Our deepest sympathies from Rehab Services, Inc. Torrie was an amazing person and an excellent board member for us. She was a positive role model for many people and her positive attitude and warm personality will truly be missed. |
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| Message | My heart breaks for you right now. I know that the sadness feels much bigger than you think you can handle. But I also know that God will help you thru this time.
My thoughts, prayers, and love go out to you.
Danny West |
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| Message | My heart is heavy with sadness as I mourn Torrie's passing. I enjoyed working with Torrie and you, Brian while I worked at the State Fair and ordered all those horse tropies and plaques. May God Bless the memory of Torrie Sturm. Heaven is a little brighter now and Torrie will always be remembered. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Kandi & LaVerne |
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| Message | We feel very blessed to have been close friends of Torrie, and to have shared so many wonderful times together. She will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her father. |
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| Message | Thoughts and prayers to all of you, as you mourn the loss of Torrie. I remember most, her bright smile, and admired her strength and courage. She was an AMAZING woman, whom I had great repect for. My deepest sympathy, Dawn |
