Kristine Painter

Kristine Painter released her son's and daughter's hands and placed hers in Our Lord's on Thursday, February 25, 2016.

Kristine left behind many who love her: Her daughter, Rhonda and son, Jeff; her beloved grandchildren Landen and Ivy Rose; her daughter-in-law Rosie; and her adored furr-babies, Bella and Missy. -- as well as many loved extended family members, mostly scattered through Texas/New Mexico and several close, life-long friends.

Kristine served as a military wife and a government employee for well over 20 years. She loved being stationed in Germany and Upper Michigan. Anywhere that has a beautiful autumn was good for her.

Kristine's bright, blue eyes and warm smile put everyone she met at ease right away. Her sweet smile never changed over the years -- it was as dear at 73 as it was at 16.

Kristine gave her heart to the Lord and accepted salvation at the age of fourteen. She lovingly prayed and shared her Christian heart with her children and was over-joyed when both of her children accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Kristine was always quick to volunteer to help a co-worker or friend in need and loved to serve. Throughout the years, she volunteered her time to Combined Federal Campaign, The Humane Society, Hospice, and a grocery delivery outreach within one of her local churches. She was the type of person that would do absolutely anything for anyone. She faithfully cared for several friends, serving at their bedside as they spent their last days in the hospitals and holding their hands as they took their last breaths. She scrubbed cages, held scared dogs, loved on homeless cats and cried when she saw their fear. She couldn't stand the thought of a child being hungry and even after spending her volunteer organization's budget on groceries for hungry families, she would often add money of her own and buy extra.

She had a beautiful mother's heart and she loved, prayed, served, cried and rejoiced at her children's setbacks and victories. She was so special and she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of being good to others and loving them through anything. She was the mother, friend and person that many look up to and want to be more like.

Both Rhonda and Jeff are forever heartbroken at the loss of the Mamma. Regretful at the ornery times, thankful for the loving times. Although extremely difficult, they are both grateful that they were blessed with some time to get to say goodbye, to tell her she was loved, and to hold her hand.

A small, private prayer service was held on Friday, February 26. A memorial will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the near future. (The date will be updated on this web-page once the memorial is organized.)

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to a no-kill animal rescue, a veteran's service organization or a food pantry of your choosing. Feel her smile upon you as you help another.


Missing You Always

You never said I'm leaving
You never said Goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it
And only god knows why.

In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still.
In my heart I hold a place
That only you can fill.

It broke my heart to lose you
But you didn't go alone.
A part of me went with you
The day God took you home.

--author unknown