Carol "Chris" Howe

With a heart full of kindness, a sense of a loving touch, a house full of craft supplies and a garage full of motorcycle gear, Carol “Chris” Howe rode off into the sunset on March 12, 2025. Born on May 9, 1947, she lived a life that was anything but ordinary.

Chris spent her childhood doing what most little girls only dreamed of: riding the trails on her beloved horse Stormy and making memories that would echo through rodeo arenas and family stories for decades to come. A proud member of the Littleton Little Britches Rodeo, she wasn’t afraid to get a little dirt on her boots—or anywhere else, for that matter.

Her tenacity and sense of justice carried her from the rodeo ring into public service, where she served with pride and distinction as an Englewood dispatcher an Arapahoe County Deputy Sheriff and eventually becoming the Police Chief of Columbine Valley. She made her mark not just with her badge, but with her unwavering integrity, a sense of humor, and compassion for the people she served. she was also a certified NRA shooting instructor for law enforcement? Let’s just say you didn’t want to test her aim or her patience.

Chris was a woman of many talents and passions: quilting, crafting, motorcycle riding, boating—basically, if it involved speed, creativity, or a sewing machine, she was in. She brought the same energy and spirit to her hobbies as she did to her friendships: with warmth, laughter, loyalty and hugs that made you feel lucky to know her.

Her character was magnetic. After five minutes with Chris, you weren’t just talking—you were laughing, learning something new, or being recruited into a new project (probably with snacks involved). She was loving, witty, humble, and full of that rare kind of goodness that made people feel at home in her presence.

Chris was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Gayle Houser, her mother Mary Joan Christensen, father Dallas Christensen, and sister Linda Amory. While we know she’s reunited with them now—probably riding a celestial Harley or piecing together the perfect quilt—we’re heartbroken to say goodbye.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Craig Howe; her cherished grandson, Christopher Amory; and her dear niece, Karin Dorsey. She also leaves behind a whole community of friends, fellow crafters, law enforcement colleagues, and every lucky soul who crossed her path.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home – Lakewood (3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, Colorado 80227)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to honor Chris’s spirit by donating to MC1 Foundation. This group supports law, fire, EMS and other first responders, or simply by doing something kind for someone else. Here is link to donate: https://www.mc1foundation.com/donate.html

Carol "Chris" Howe, 77, of Littleton, passed away March 12, 2025. She is survived by her loving husband, Craig. Celebration of her life will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, 10am, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood.