With her youngest daughter by her side, Laura Ann Grimes-Alvarado passed away peacefully in her home on February 14th, 2025, Valentine’s Day, also recognized as the Day of Love. She was 69 years old. Her youngest daughter Cinnamon became her caregiver in early 2018, and cared for Laura for her remaining years. This example of unconditional love motivated Laura to continue fighting through her late life and diagnosis of COPD, a severe lung disease. But even with this, she remained resilient as the true embodiment of a strong woman until the day she was called home to heaven.

Laura was born in Billings, Montana to Jean Abbott and Vincent Quinlan. She grew up with three sisters and two brothers. After suffering the loss of their parents at a young age, her siblings were all separated and Laura was adopted by Bill and Fern Grimes of Cortez, Colorado. Laura found solace growing up with her homestead adopted mother, and their self-sufficient farming lifestyle; preserving fresh food off the land and raising all types of animals. Additionally, she learned to ride horses, became a barrel racer, and notably a stunning Rodeo Queen, seen marching in the local parades. This showcased even further her love of freedom, excitement for life, and having a special bond with an animal companion. Later on, Laura left her new home as a young adult to become an avid traveler, a soul longing for an adventure. Some of her fondest memories included visiting the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington and exploring the San Francisco streets that transformed into great rolling hills. Laura discovered her love for all types of music during these memorable years and gained an extensive interest in art and other creative outlets. She always loved the outdoors and experiencing new places and meeting new people.

Laura lived in Colorado the remaining time of her life and had five beautiful children. She was a hard worker, a determined parent and a social butterfly; specializing in retail after attending school at AIMS Community College in Greeley, Colorado. She enjoyed spending time with her children in nature. Her children often reminisce of times driving through the Rocky Mountains, exploring the Poudre Canyon and visiting any local lake or river they could find. Laura felt best when she could soak up the Colorado sun, dip her toes in a cool river and sip a cup of smooth hazelnut coffee. She was well known for her love of coffee and the smile she carried with it. Laura made sure she was always around to make you laugh, help discuss your long day and undoubtedly bond with anyone who would extend a kind hand. She enjoyed eating all kinds of sweets and loved Italian food, especially a savory spaghetti dinner. Her favorite snack was a bag of Lay’s chips with a Pepsi soda. Her favorite colors were green and purple.

Laura was a loving mother, supportive grandmother and endearing friend. She remained strong and humble through all of life’s challenges, and continued to always lean on God for support and strength. She will be deeply missed.

Laura is survived by her five children, Cinnamon Martinez, April Alvarado, Andres Royal, Amber (Jason) Roybal and Angelo Roybal ; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Cora (Charles) Zgrabik, Melissa (Lloyd) Grendys, and Monti (Chuck) Gantt; sister-in-law, Susana Quinlan; niece, Rose Alvarado; and an always growing, extended family.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Heaven Roybal; granddaughter, Alexis Barela; parents, Jean and Vincent; adopted parents, Bill and Fern; and two brothers, Mark and Dan Quinlan.

Cinnamon would like to extend her deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Pathways Hospice, who supported them for the past 8 months, and brought joy and comfort to Laura in her final days.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Spring of 2025, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, financial donations to help with services can be addressed to her daughter Cinnamon, in the care of Lighthouse Family Mortuary, (2525 W. 16th St, Unit C, Greeley CO 80634, (970)-503-5223.)