July 4, 1952 — April 22, 2026

La Junta, Colorado

 

Obituary

Mary Delores (Dee) De Leon, of La Junta, CO, passed away on April 22, 2026. Her final day was spent filled with love and surrounded by family and her beloved dog, Bruno.

She was born on July 4, 1952, in La Junta, CO to Jose Nicolas “Nick” and Maria “Sophie” (Baca) Encinias. Dee grew up in La Junta, CO and attended and Graduated from La Junta High School. She went on to work at Western Canning after high school and then on to be a migrant aide at East Elementary School. Dee also worked at AVRMC in the Kitchen for a number of years and was a receptionist for Dr. Archuleta. She then worked for the City of La Junta Utilities office, and from there began a career at Heritage Cable Company, which then became Bresnan, and then Spectrum, which she retired from in 2015.

She found her greatest joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life, especially those spent with her family. Nothing meant more to her than her grandchildren—she cherished every opportunity to be with them, proudly attending their games, performances, and special events. She had a love for thrift shopping, always delighted by the thrill of a good find, and took quite pride in tending to her plants, nurturing them with the same care she gave to those around her. She enjoyed relaxing with episodes of Little House on the Prairie, finding comfort in its stories. Her home was filled with the gentle presence of her beloved pet birds, and her loyal dog, Bruno, who held a special place in her heart. Above all, she was devoted to her family, whose love was the center of her world and her greatest legacy.

She is survived by her Dog Bruno Mars, Daughter, Kristi (Ron) Raso, of La Junta, CO, Son, Reuben (Betsy) De Leon Jr., of Norfolk, Nebraska, Daughter, Heidi (Jeremy) Candelario, of La Junta, CO. Granddaughters, Chamarice Amaya, Diajinae Gauna, Madison (Bryce) Karbon, Sierra (Jamey) Bartoszek, Hailee (Miguel) Rios, Sydney De Leon, Brooklyn De Leon, and Alexia Candelario. Grandsons, Donavon Ramirez, Michael Gauna, and Rylan De Leon. Great Grandkids, Paisley, Parker, Hope, Faith, Mariano, Mateo, and Kamila. Brothers and Sisters, Mildred (Eugene) Maestas of La Junta, CO, Emilia (Angelo) Griego III of Fergus Falls, MN, Lewis Encinias of La Junta, CO, Lucy (ZB) Lomako of La Junta, CO, Bernadette (Ed) Salazar of La Junta, CO, David Encinias of La Junta, CO, Anna (William) Salas of Thorton, CO; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her Mother Sophie Encinias, Father, Nick Encinias, Brothers, George and Rick Encinias, and Sister In-Law Terry Encinias.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Dee’s Life will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Vally Hospice.

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