Laura (Woodworth) Cantrell was born in Grand Junction Colorado, in 1938. She graduated from Grand Junction Central High School in 1956. In 1955 she married the love of her life, Ted Cantrell, and together they shared more than 60 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on love, family, hard work, and service. They raised three children; Wayne (deceased) Danell and Connie and were blessed with five grandchildren. The family they built continues to grow and now includes twelve great-grandchildren.

Laura devoted 27 years of dedicated service to Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS). She became known for her caring heart, positive attitude, and willingness to help wherever she was needed. Although many remember her from the kitchen and salad bar, her contributions extended far beyond food service. Over the years, she worked in housekeeping, managed the kitchen, ordered food and supplies, prepared meals, and even drove a school bus when the need arose. Whatever the job, Laura approached it with dedication, dependability and a smile.

Laura has a special gift for making people feel welcome. Students looked forward to seeing her each day, and she built lasting friendships with faculty and staff. Her kindness, warm smile, and genuine care for others have made her a beloved member of the CRMS community.

The Cantrell family’s connection to CRMS extended beyond Laura’s work. Ted Cantrell worked for Diemoz Construction and contributed to numerous projects on campus, including helping build the school’s first solar dormitory. All three of their children also worked at CRMS at various times, making the Cantrell family an important part of the school’s history.

Laura retired from CRMS in 2009 to spend more time with Ted and their family. Following Ted’s passing in 2018, Laura moved to Fruita Colorado, to be closer to family and enjoy a milder climate.

Today, Laura continues to live an active and independent life. She attends exercise classes three times a week, walks three to five miles each day, and continues to care for her own beautiful yard. Her love of gardening has long been admired. While living in Carbondale, people would often stop to admire the beauty of her yard, and she continues that passion today in Fruita, where she maintains another beautiful landscape entirely on her own.

To her family, Laura has always been the heart of the home. Her caring nature, positive spirit, and unconditional love have made her the glue that holds the family together. She continues to inspire her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through the example she sets every day.