Laura Rondas

In Loving Memory of Laura Rondas

Our loving and caring mother and friend, Laura Rondas, passed away peacefully at her home in West Valley City, Utah, on June 12, 2026, surrounded by her two daughters, caretakers, loved ones, and dear friends after a long and debilitating illness. She now joins those who have gone before her and is welcomed into the next realm with love.

Laura was born on June 7, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Stanford D. Sterling and Gladys Zoccolillio Sterling.

From a young age, Laura was known for her determination, strong will, and fearless personality. She often described herself as a bit of a spitfire in her younger years, and those who knew her would likely agree. Independent and spirited, she carried that strength throughout her life and faced challenges head-on.

After graduating high school, Laura moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she joined Job Corps and became a nurse's aide in 1973. She was known throughout her life for her strong work ethic and willingness to learn new skills.

One of Laura's greatest passions was automobiles. In 1978, she began working for Sears, Roebuck and Company, where she initially changed tires in the automotive shop. Through hard work, determination, and the valuable guidance of her uncle Byron, she steadily advanced through the mechanical ranks and earned the respect of those around her.

Cars were more than transportation to Laura—they were a source of pride and enjoyment. Among her favorites were her 1965 and 1975 Austin-Healey Sprite convertibles. Over the years, she repaired, restored, and proudly drove many vehicles, including a 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88, a 1977 Chevrolet Chevette, a 1978 Chevrolet C10 pickup, a 1978 Chevrolet K10 pickup, a 1992 Ford Ranger, and a beloved 1963 Volkswagen Beetle that ran "as smooth as a brand-new watch."

Outside the garage, Laura loved spending time swimming, enjoying a good barbecue, and appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors. She embraced life with resilience and determination, always finding reasons to keep moving forward, even when illness came upon her unexpectedly.

Laura was a fun, interesting, and sometimes unpredictable person. But when you got to know her, she had a way of making you laugh and, at times, even cry for all the right reasons. Her honesty, spirit, and unique outlook on life left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her.

Above all else, Laura loved her family. She is survived by her two beloved daughters, Alisha Rondas (Justin) and Dawn Smithson (Jason). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to her grandson, Justin Goss, whom she loved with all of her heart, as well as her other grandchildren, Lily, Daisy, Aiden, and Cash. She is also survived by her good friend to the very end, Randall Crowther, and her dear friend Oggie Juarez. Their friendship, companionship, and support meant a great deal to her throughout her life.

Laura will be remembered for her kindness, independence, mechanical talent, perseverance, sense of humor, and unwavering love for those closest to her. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and the love she shared with her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the lessons they taught, and the love they leave behind."