With broken hearts and deep gratitude for the time we were given, we celebrate the life of Shannon Denise (Larson) Hutcheson, who passed peacefully in her sleep on February 11, 2026.
Born on August 3, 1979, in Laramie, Wyoming, Shannon arrived in the world equal parts grit and light. As a child, she could often be found looking like a grungy little ranch kid, boots muddy, hair windblown, heading out with her dad to help feed cows after digging her dirty wranglers out of the laundry basket. She grew up riding horses, raising 4-H sheep, floating down the creek at Bear Creek Ranch, and swimming at the Hanna, Wyoming, rec center with her cousins and early childhood best friends, Ryan and Felicia. At Grandma Renie’s house, the three of them shared a childhood stitched together by laughter and mischief. Often finding themselves on separate cushions on Grandpa’s davenport, getting a good “talking to” as they tried to hide their giggles.
She tagged along everywhere with her big sister, Tori, determined never to be left behind. From playing Barbies, pretending to be rock stars while they recorded themselves singing, working in the hayfield together, to eventually sharing an apartment, Tori and Shannon were more than sisters; they were best friends.
Despite her love of mucking around the ranch, the same little girl grew into a homecoming queen and All-State athlete, seamlessly wearing high-top sneakers and a tiara. When she moved to Montana in 1989, she found her love for basketball, initially playing with the YMCA and later becoming a fierce defender for the Florence Falcons.
After high school, Shannon attended the University of Montana, where she enjoyed college life while working part-time as a waitress. Recognized for her intelligence, quick problem-solving, and her outstanding people skills, she was fast-tracked to management after several other restaurant roles.
But everything shifted when she became a mother. Motherhood became the heartbeat of her life.
She shared a lifelong love story with her first love and best friend, Steven Hutcheson. They met in Montana and, after an on-and-off relationship through junior high and high school, found their way back to each other and built their life together in Colorado. They married on March 20, 2004. Their marriage was a mix of humor, partnership, and obscure movie quotes only they understood, a private language that belonged to them alone.
Together they raised two sons, Derek and Dylan, who were the center of her world. Shannon poured every ounce of herself into her family. She never left her boys’ hospital bedsides, with Derek being born premature, and then advocating fiercely through Dylan’s early CHD journey, and later supporting other heart-warrior moms walking the same terrifying road. She herself had recently been diagnosed with CHD, so she walked the same path as her son, as a heart warrior.
Her two boys were her pride and joy. She often reminded Derek that his stubbornness was inherited from her, and Dylan shared her sense of humor, but they both inherited her fierce competitiveness and athletic skills.
She was a gifted cook who fed people with love, a devoted Denver Broncos fan, and someone who treasured time in the Colorado mountains and at the family cabin in Montana. Travel brought her joy, including a cherished trip through England, Scotland, and France with her mother and sister in 2019.
In recent years, Shannon embraced a deeply personal journey of growth and healing. She spoke openly about boundaries, self-worth, and peace, encouraging others to do the same. A devoted supporter of her “Sober Sisters,” she showed up for those who needed help finding their way. Entering 2026 with renewed hope, she encouraged others to live fully, choosing “I can’t believe I just did that” over “I should have done that.” She was looking forward to the future.
She is survived by her husband Steven Hutcheson, sons, Derek and Dylan Hutcheson, her parents, Jeff (Shelly) Larson, Denise (Larry) Conrad, her sister, Tori Larson, step-brother, Shawn Conrad, her in-laws Randy (Shelley) Hutcheson, brother-in-law, Shane Hutcheson, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Derek Larson, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Shannon had a heart that gave more in half a life than most could ever give in a full one. Those who loved her will carry her stories, her laughter, and her fierce spirit with them always. She will be greatly missed.
A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at the 3 Mile Community Center in Stevensville, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Mended Little Hearts at 1579 US Highway 19S, Leesburg, GA 31763, or online https://mendedhearts.org/#donate to support congenital heart defect research.
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