Deanna Marie Encinias

Deanna Marie Encinias, 59, of Centennial, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2026 at UC Health Highlands Ranch Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Deanna was born on May 20th, 1967 in Pueblo, Colorado to Tom and Phyllis Zamarripa. She graduated with honors from Pueblo South High School and married her High School sweetheart, Paul, and together they built a strong marriage of 38 years. She received her B.A. in Social Work from Colorado State University, and her M.A. in Special Education from the University of Colorado.

Deanna built a life defined by her strong Faith, Family and powerful Love. She embodied what it means to love selflessly and abide in the Lord our God. Her character brightened every activity and life mission that she was involved in. She worked as a Special Education Teacher at Littleton High School for 31 years. She was especially proud of the life accomplishments of her students and the educational community she helped create at Littleton High School and the Littleton Public School District. Her influence still lives on in the hallways of the school today.

Deanna will always be remembered for her devoted, unstoppable faith in the Lord, her deep love, kindness, thoughtfulness, humor, generosity, and sense of adventure. She loved kayaking, camping, crafting, and catching up with the latest episodes of the Amazing Race and American Ninja Warrior. She brought such joy to everyone she met but especially to her Family and closest friends that she referred to as Framily.

Deanna is survived by her husband, Paul Encinias of Centennial, CO; Her children, Jessica Encinias of Centennial, CO; Joseph Encinias (Rachel) of Rochester, MN; Julia Lovato (Mateo) of Longmont, CO; Her grandchildren Daniel and Noah; Her father Thomas Zamarripa of Centennial, CO; Her father-in-law Pablo Encinias of Pueblo, CO; Her sisters Deborah Stonecipher (Gregg) of Wellington, CO; Jolene Lucero (Ed) of Highlands Ranch, CO; Sheila Moore of Colorado Springs, CO.

She was preceded in death by her mother Phyllis Zamarripa, mother-in-law Katie Encinias, and brother-in-law Richard Encinias.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 10th, 2026, from 5pm-8pm at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation, 5303 E. County Line Road. Centennial, Colorado 80122

An Interment will be held on Friday, September 11th, 2026, at 3pm at Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery – Chapel Hill, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd. Centennial, Colorado 80121

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, at 10am at Summit Church, 7200 S. Clinton St. Centennial, Colorado 80112