Laura Lorena Childress

Laura Lorena Childress of Amarillo, Texas passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

 Laura was born on March 15, 1972, in El Paso, Texas. She grew up in Amarillo and graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1992. The first in her family to attend college, she earned a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and worked as a probation officer. 

 Laura later secured her first job as a broadcast journalist for Telemundo in San Antonio. Her talent for writing along with her passion for people, health, and the community led to a successful career as a reporter for Univision - Amarillo, KFDA News Channel 10 – Amarillo, and for an NBC affiliate - KOAA TV News/First 5 in Southern Colorado. After a few years in Pueblo, Colorado, she returned to Amarillo in 2010 as an anchor with KFDA News Channel 10.

 Laura always dreamed of going to law school. Most recently, she pursued her lifelong dream and completed her first semester in law school at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.

She married her number one pilot, Ken Childress in 2011 and currently resides in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Together they have Spencer - son (Candace), Amanda - daughter (Mutwa), Cheston - son (Hannah), Dustin - son (Brittney), Aayden – grandson, and Gabriella - granddaughter. 

She is survived by her mom, Socorro Mireles, and sister, Luz Noelia Gonzales.

 A memorial service for Laura L. Childress will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen Methodist Church, 4600 S. Western St., in Amarillo, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards the Laura L. Childress Memorial Scholarship. Click on the link https://mitchellhamline.edu/giving/make-a-gift-online/ Under designation use the drop-down menu to select other (at the very bottom) then type in Laura L Childress Memorial Scholarship.

For paper, checks place Laura Childress in the memo field and mail to:

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Development Department

875 Summit Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55105