Cara Openshaw

Cara Openshaw was born on August 27, 1965, and was lovingly welcomed into the family of Jack and Ardella Openshaw through adoption shortly after birth. She was raised in Santaquin, Utah, where she spent a joyful childhood alongside her siblings; Kirk, Deseree, Robert and Christy. Cara shared a special bond with her cousins Connie, Nanette and Calvin. Those relationships, along with their spouses, remained dear to her heart throughout her life. 

Cara graduated from Payson High School in 1984. In her younger years, she held various jobs including at McDonalds, Walmart and Subway, always bringing her cheerful energy and warmth wherever she worked.

A true lover of music, Cara had an appreciation for classic rock. She knew the lyrics to nearly every song and sang them with enthusiasm - especially when it came to her favorite, Steven Tyler. She also was a movie fanatic admiring celebrities like Leonard DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom. 

Though she never owned one, Cara adored Camaros, and one of her favorite memories was test-driving her niece Melissa's Camaro. Her radiant smile that day reflected pure joy. Cara also loved games, especially cards and dice. She was the reigning champion of 10,000, often winning with her signature "lucky blow" of the dice.

Cara had a passion for jewelry, particularly gold, diamonds and sapphires - gems that reflected her sweet spirit that shined bright like a diamond. Cara had a kind, gentle and playful personality, which made her easy to love and quick to make friends wherever she went. 

Cara's faith was an important part of her life. She was actively involved in various LDS congregations throughout Utah and cherished the fellowship and friendships she found within the church. 

Above all, Cara was a fighter. She bravely battled cancer for over three years, with eternal caring support from her sister, Deseree, who was by her side every step of the way. Cara passed peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. 

She is survived by her sisters, Deseree Openshaw, Shannon Brady; Christie, and brother Robert, nieces, Melissa Mecham (Marcus), Amanda  Mecham-VanDuinen (Kory), and Chassity; nephew Brandon Mecham (Kelly); niece Raine' Knight, and great-nieces Autumn Farr, Kyli and Kennedy and Tyler;  great-nephew  Jameson Wayne; and so many other family members and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her father Jack K. Openshaw; mother  Ardella Openshaw (Peterson);  and brother Kirk Jay Openshaw.

We as a family would like to thank the great staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute, the staff at Parkway Nursing & Rehab and the many friends that she had there.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 6th at 11:00 am at Brown Family Mortuary in Santaquin, Utah with viewings Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Friday one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow in the Santaquin Cemetery.