Laurel “Lo” Stender, 42, of Ridgecrest, CA, passed away on June 7, 2024, in Tulare County, California, while canyoneering near the Kern River. She was born on April 6, 1982, at Camp Pendleton and grew up in Barstow, California.
Everyone loved Laurel. She treated everyone like family. Many people had accepted her into their closest inner circles as if she were their daughter, their sister, or their best friend. Laurel was valiant in her beliefs and values as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
She was fiercely loyal to her family, friends, country, and teammates. Laurel was the glitter that made everything better, with a joyful disposition, the best dad jokes, and childlike enthusiasm for everything she did.
From an early age, it was clear that Laurel was born to run. In kindergarten, she outran her entire class and later joined the school running club. In high school, she ran cross country, winning the Desert Sky League title, and held a mile time of 5:15. She earned a scholarship to run cross country for San Jose State University. While in college, she was recruited to play Rugby for the SJSU club team. She later played internationally for the USA Women’s Rugby team as well as for the Las Vegas Slots Rugby team and later became a rugby referee.
Laurel had countless outdoor adventures and was encouraging to family and friends who were brave enough to try and keep up. She loved canyoneering, backpacking, ultra marathon running, and screaming across the desert on her ATV.
Laurel is the beloved daughter of David and Linda Stender. She is survived by her siblings Sandra (Todd) Burt, Shaunna (Richard) Serafin, Warren (Melinda) Stender, Stephen (Staci) Stender, and Constance Stender.
Memorial services in honor of Lo Stender will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1031 S. Norma Street, Ridgecrest on June 29th, 2024. Services will begin at 12:00 noon. They will have a closed casket visitation at 11:00.
A tribute from Cerro Coso College President Dr. Sean Hancock:
“Lo has been a part of the Cerro Coso family since 2016 and has had a tremendous positive impact on the college, athletics, and above all, her athletes. Lo’s dedication, flexibility, professionalism, positive attitude, and kind, generous spirit have all been exemplified in her time at the college and in her role as an athletic trainer. She has been a beloved team member in athletics and a joy to have as a colleague at the college. Lo will be profoundly missed. Our deepest sympathies to all of her colleagues, athletes, friends, and family.” – Dr. Sean Hancock, Cerro Coso Community College President.