August 10, 1937 – September 8, 2026

Laurine Ford passed away on September 8, 2026. She was born August 10, 1937, in Colorado Springs, CO, to Frank and Mary (Lyons) Banks. She was raised in Eastonville, CO, until the age of 10. The family then moved to Basalt, CO, where they farmed and ranched in what is now “Willets.”

Laurine graduated from Basalt High School in 1955. She then went on to the University of Northern Colorado to become a teacher. Laurine worked very hard to put herself through college, holding a multitude of jobs, including packing peaches in Palisade, housekeeping at the Redstone Castle, and babysitting. She was affectionately referred to as “Spud” while in college due to her family’s potato farming.

Laurine taught for one year in Barstow, CA, before returning to the Roaring Fork Valley and beginning her teaching career with the Roaring Fork School District. She taught for over 20 years at Glenwood Springs Junior High School as a seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher. She definitely had her own “unique classroom management.” Her eraser-throwing skills were honed from playing intramural softball at UNC.

Laurine married Rusty (Donald) Ford on December 27, 1959, in Basalt, CO. They had two daughters, Joyce (Dave) Hunter of Littleton, CO, and Shirley (Dave) Fockler of Glenwood Springs, CO.

Laurine was preceded in death by her husband, Rusty Ford; granddaughter, Sarah Hunter; her parents; and her siblings, Paul “Pug,” Robert, Kenneth, Larry (her twin), Lawrence “Onk,” and Betty.

Laurine is survived by her daughters, Joyce and Shirley; grandchildren Daniel (Monica, fiancée) Hunter, David (Gail) Hunter, Nicole (David) Sampson, and Kellen Fockler; and great-granddaughters Adaleine, Emery, and Ila Sampson.

Laurine’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cheering for them at their sporting events, picking them up from school, taking them camping and fishing, and having sleepovers. Laurine was also a fan of the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Glenwood Demons, and Basalt Longhorns.

As per Laurine’s request, there are no services planned.

The family is incredibly grateful for the care and compassion shown by the staff and caregivers at Roaring Fork Senior Living and Home Care and Hospice of the Valley.