Passport Stamps and Sideline Cheers
Deb DeRose retires
By Tanya Marchun, Communication Specialist
Grand Junction, COLO. (June 15, 2026) Ciao! Adieu! Ad
ios! Deb DeRose is saying “goodbye” to her career at Grand Valley Power and “hello” to retirement and more trips around the globe. After nearly 37 years with the cooperative, the only projects Grand Valley Power’s engineering assistant will coordinate beginning in July are her travel itineraries and outings with friends and family. Even though Deb calls the Grand Valley home, she has never missed an opportunity to explore the
world — from the Bahamas and Hawaii to Niagara Falls, Napa Valley, and many places in between. In April, her travels even took her to Italy and Iceland.
Deb started her career as GVP’s office administrative assistant in 1989 when there were 20-some employees and 8,000 meters on GVP lines. “I had to take my typing test on an old typewriter that didn’t have a backspace — I did terribly.” She may not have impressed people with her typing skills, but she remembers being impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Grand Valley Power and its employees.
Throughout her 37 years at GVP, Deb has worn many hats and done a bit of everything — customer service, monitoring connects and disconnects, and even processing payroll. Her variety of skills set her up for a rewarding career helping GVP grow to more than twice the size it was when she started working at the cooperative. For the last four years, Deb has held the title of engineering assistant, helping with engineering and solar applications, service orders, collecting payments, completing contracts, and generally keeping the engineering department running smoothly.
Deb has been married to the love of her life, Jerry, for 45 years. Together, they have two daughters — Nicole and Kayla — two sons-in-law, and six granddaughters. “Family is the most important part of life,” Deb said. “Take the opportunities you have to be with the ones you love.”
When Deb is not at work or traveling, she cheers for her granddaughters at softball, basketball, or volleyball games, or at gymnastics or dance events.
In her retirement, Deb is excited for more time with family and her retired friends, and to experience new things around the world. We at Grand Valley Power will miss Deb’s gracious spirit and hearing about her adventures, but we wish her safe and happy travels in her retirement.
Congratulations, Deb!