Christine Encinas

Christine Encinas, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, entered into rest on July 28, 2025, at the age of 89. She passed peacefully at Cappella of Pueblo West Senior Living Community in Pueblo West, Colorado, where she spent the last two years of her life surrounded by friendship, laughter, and care.

Christine was born on December 8, 1935, in Ordway, Colorado, to Martina (Salas) & Pedro Gonzales. She was the first of six children and proudly carried the role of eldest sister to her siblings, including her lifelong best friend and confidant, Emma Montanez. Christine and Emma were inseparable—a bond rooted in sisterhood, laughter, and unwavering love.

Christine was also blessed to share a lifelong, devoted love with her husband, Miguel Encinas. The two married in Ordway, Colorado, and celebrated 69 beautiful years together before his passing in 2022—a loss that deeply affected Christine. Their enduring love stood as a testament to faithfulness, partnership, and the strength of a love built over a lifetime.

Christine was a determined and accomplished woman. She pursued higher education at Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education—a significant achievement for a young woman of her time. She taught elementary school while living in Maricopa, Arizona, enriching the lives of her students with kindness, patience, and purpose.

A woman of deep faith, Christine was a devoted Catholic and active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ordway. She found peace and strength in her spiritual life, which guided how she loved, served, and lived. She was known for her love of reading, gardening, and especially cooking—gifts she shared generously with friends and family. Her handcrafted creations, from beautiful sewing projects to hand-painted pieces of art, were made with care and creativity and cherished by all who received them.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as Granny—a title she wore with joy and pride. Granny’s home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. She created lifelong memories with each of her grandchildren, who will forever cherish her hugs, her stories, her kitchen, and the way she made them feel like the most important person in the world.

Christine is survived by her loving daughters, Cathy (Curtis) Miller and Becci Korinek; her grandchildren, who she loved more than life itself—Michelle Miller (David Lovato), Brandy (Tom) Printz, Jacob (Beth) Korinek, and Greg Korinek (Brandy Burgess); and her great-grandchildren: Alexis, Madison, Natalee, Sydnie, Sadie Isabella, Ryan, Luke, Sadie, Jackson, Camille, and Olivia. She is also survived by her brothers Pete Gonzales, Manuel (Georgia) Gonzales, and Alfredo (Laurie) Gonzales; her sister-in-law Linda Gonzales; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Christine is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Miguel Encinas; her parents, Pedro and Martina Gonzales; her brother, Jerry Gonzales; and her sister and best friend, Emma Montanez.

During her time at Cappella of Pueblo West, Christine truly thrived. She loved participating in games—especially bingo—and embraced arts and crafts with the same creativity and care she always had. She also enjoyed outings and activities with her friends and was known for bringing joy and laughter to those around her.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Peacock Memorial Chapel, 401 Raton Ave., La Junta, CO. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 10:00 am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 905 Main St. in Ordway, Colorado followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am with Father Joseph Matitu of Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish officiating. Committal will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Sugar City, Colorado.

Christine’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on through all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as Granny, Mom, Sister, Aunt, and Friend.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.