Obituary - Denise Elizabeth Edgmon

Denise Elizabeth Edgmon, born August 1, 1967, slipped away from us unexpectedly on Saturday, February 11. Denise was born in Las Vegas and graduated from Boulder City High School. She came to Fallon in 1986 when her parents, Jerry and Georgia Edgmon, returned to the area. A few years after moving to Fallon, Denise followed her brother into the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. For nearly five years, she was one of a few female service women working in the icy waters of the Pacific Area Search and Rescue.

Denise lived in North Carolina after Anchorage and returned to Fallon in 1996. From there, she went to cosmetology school in Carson City and became – not a nail technician, but a “Nail Therapist.” And she was that, for nearly thirty years. Not only was she an expert at her chosen profession, but she also had an ear and a heart for all her guests (and don’t call them clients). Denise also became Fallon’s Longaberger Lady, selling baskets and dreams to all who would listen, breaking sales records along the way.

Denise, crowned with her vibrant magenta curls, lived her life on her own terms, no question. Known for vocalizing her opinions and calling out anyone who dared to challenge them, she was uncompromising in her views and beliefs. But if she loved you – even liked you, beware the fool that came in between you and her.

An avid music lover and fan of live venues, she had no qualms about traveling far and wide in pursuit of this love. Denise also adored the Christmas Tree Lighting, not missing a single one from the time she returned to Fallon. A favorite spot of hers was her family’s hunting camp at Cold Springs Station. To clarify, however, Denise was not a camper but rather a “Glamper.” Brave, passionate, and loving, Denise was Hell on Heels. Four inch, if you please.

The only things Denise loved more than music and sunshine were her family and friends. A deeply adoring mother, her greatest loves were her sons. She would move heaven and earth for them. And everyone else she loved. A true-born nurturer, Denise was the first on the scene if anyone was in distress, ill, or just needed a friend. Careful lest she adopts you, for soon you were part of her entire family.

She will be profoundly missed.

Denise was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carl and Florence Edgmon, her brother Jerry Don Edgmon, and her son Craig Sturman, who she tragically lost in December. She is survived by her parents, Gerald and Georgia Edgmon, her son Logan Strong, her brother Craig Edgmon and his wife Setsuko, and her partner, Jon Gilbaugh. She is also survived by former husbands Robert Sturman and Nathan Strong, along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, and several extended family members.

A Celebration of Life for Denise is planned for June 10 at the Twisted Branch in Fallon at 5:00 p.m.