Final Tribute to Leslie Sharon ‘Lulu’ Kough: Honoring a Life of Excellence, Compassion, and Unwavering Determination

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Leslie Sharon “Lulu” Kough: A Bright Light Gone Too Soon

Wheat Ridge, CO – The heartbreaking loss of Leslie Sharon “Lulu” Kough continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of those who knew her. A young woman of extraordinary talent, kindness, and ambition, Leslie’s untimely passing on March 28, 2019, left a deep void in her family, friends, and community. However, her legacy of hard work, compassion, and determination remains a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Passionate Scholar with a Bright Future

Born on November 11, 2000, Leslie grew up with a strong passion for learning and innovation. She was a gifted student whose thirst for knowledge and problem-solving skills set her apart from an early age. She pursued her education at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, where she was excelling in her junior year as an engineering student.

Leslie’s dedication to her studies was evident in the way she approached challenges with determination and resilience. She was not only a hard-working scholar but also a generous mentor to those around her. Her professors and classmates recall her as someone who always went the extra mile to help others, whether through study sessions, tutoring, or simply offering words of encouragement.

Her academic pursuits were fueled by her dream of making an impact in the world through engineering and innovation, and many believed she was on the path to greatness.

A Champion in Athletics and Life

Beyond academics, Leslie was a state champion and national runner-up athlete, earning admiration for her dedication to sports. She spent countless hours training, pushing her limits, and setting an example for those around her. Whether it was on the track, in the gym, or at competitions, she demonstrated the same tenacity and passion that defined her approach to life.

Her coaches and teammates remember her as a leader both on and off the field, always willing to uplift, encourage, and support those around her. She inspired her fellow athletes with her unwavering work ethic and sportsmanship, proving that true greatness lies in perseverance and character.

A Heart of Gold: Her Commitment to Helping Others

What set Leslie apart was her kind and selfless nature. She had a deep sense of empathy and dedication to inclusivity, always looking for ways to help others. In high school, one of her greatest joys was working with developmentally disabled students, where she formed genuine friendships and helped them prepare for their annual performances.

Her ability to see the beauty in others and bring out the best in them was one of her most remarkable qualities. She had a way of making people feel valued, appreciated, and loved, and this trait remained a defining part of her character throughout her life.

A Devoted Daughter, Sister, and Friend

Leslie’s parents, Lindsay and Thomas Kough, as well as her extended family and friends, have felt the immeasurable loss of a daughter, sister, and confidante. Though Leslie lived across a short span of years, she filled them with love, joy, and incredible accomplishments.

Her father, Lindsay Kough, has spoken openly about the journey of grief and healing, encouraging others to embrace their emotions and find strength in remembering and honoring those they have lost. Through sharing Leslie’s story, he hopes to keep her spirit alive and inspire others to live with purpose and compassion.

A Final Resting Place and Everlasting Legacy

Leslie was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Her grave marker stands as a tribute to the life she lived, the love she shared, and the impact she left behind. Friends, family, and those inspired by her story continue to visit her final resting place, leaving flowers, messages, and tokens of remembrance.

Her memory is carried forward through acts of kindness, scholarship programs, and tributes dedicated to preserving her spirit.

Honoring Leslie’s Memory: Carrying Forward Her Light

The passing of Leslie Sharon “Lulu” Kough is a profound loss, but her story, legacy, and influence remain as powerful as ever. She was a young woman of brilliance, resilience, and kindness, embodying the very best of what it means to be a friend, a student, an athlete, and a human being.

Her family and friends encourage others to honor Leslie’s life by living with the same kindness, determination, and love that she radiated every day. Whether through pursuing education, excelling in sports, or simply making the world a better place through small acts of generosity, her legacy of love and excellence will never fade.

Though Leslie’s journey was tragically brief, her impact will last for generations to come.