Irene E. Sinks

Irene E. Sinks, 97, passed away on March 11, 2023 at the Fowler Health Care Center. Irene was born August 18, 1925 in Dawson, NM to John and Mary Ann (Crookston) Scott.

Irene grew up in coal mining camps around Raton, NM, and attended grade school in the surrounding coal mining camps. She attended Raton High School, graduating in 1945. Married Gilbert 0. Sinks in Las Vegas, NM April 8, 1948. Moved to La Junta, December 1, 1948 when Gil went to work for the City of La Junta as an undercover officer.

Irene was active with Brownie and Girl Scouts for 19 years. She was the first council chairman after La Junta Girl Scouts became a part of the Columbine Council. She was active in PTA the entire time her children were in grade school. Active with La Junta High School Band and Music Parents serving as president in 1968-69 and 1976-1979. She served the International Order of Rainbow for girls as Mother Advisor for La Junta Assembly #20 1978-1980; Rocky Ford Assembly # 29, 1982-1984; District Deputy for Districts 7 & 16 1984-1987; Grand Promotion Committee, 1980-1981. Served the Order of Eastern Star as Worthy Matron of Chivington Chapter #32, four times; Area Supervisor and District Instructor several times, served on the Youth Committee for Eastern Star 1980-1983, and Grand Representative to New Hampshire from Colorado 1984-1986. She was a member of Lorena Rebekah Lodge # 33, La Junta, serving as Noble Grand four years, and two years in Violet Rebekah Lodge #3, in Rocky Ford. Very proud to be a lifetime member of Rebekahs. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in La Junta.

Irene worked for Shulls Variety Store, La Junta. She also worked for Peacock-Frye Almont Mortuary for 21 years, from 1962-1983. She and Gil retired from the mortuary because of Gil's health. They moved to Rocky Ford for a while, and after Gil's death, Irene returned to La Junta where she went to work for Woodruff Memorial Library for two and a half years, and in the lunchroom at La Junta Intermediate School for two years. She loved being around the children. She was a very active part of Ann's Twirling Angels for 5 years. They made a lot of wonderful trips out of town and were very active in the community. She was better known to the girls as Grandma Irene. She loved the girls dearly, as well as their wonderful parents.

Irene and Gil were also foster parents for many years.

Irene moved to Evergreen Gardens in 2014 where she turned her garage into a shop and spent many happy hours working on crafts. She then became known to everyone as Grammie. She moved to Casa Del Sol in November of 2016. She later moved back to Evergreen and then to Cottonwood Ridge in Rocky Ford. As her health declined, she moved to Fowler Health Care Center in October 2021.

Irene spent countless hours crafting, crocheting, sewing, and anything possible with her hands and imagination. If she saw a picture of it, she could create it.

Irene truly lived up to her favorite quote:

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say "I used everything you gave me!" Unknown author

Irene is survived by her son, Don, La Junta; 3 daughters, Sheri (Buddy) Spradley, Tennessee, Shirley (Jack) Martinez, Eastvale, California and Ann (Bert) Lopkoff, La Junta; Sister, Dorothy (Dave) Vigil, Denver; Grandchildren, Tammie (James) Langston, La Junta; Gidget (Bill) Dillingham, Eckhart; Richard Inskeep, Arizona; John (Kristi) Sinks, Pueblo; James (JC) Sinks, Rocky Ford; Eric Sinks, Pueblo; Shawn Sinks, Pueblo; Jack (Heather) Martinez, California; Joshua (Selena) Martinez, California; Scott (Gloria) Martinez; California, Eric (Kirsten) Lopkoff, Arvada; Tom Lopkoff, Colorado Springs; Rita (Chris) Case, Iowa; Colby Thompson, Utah; & Trevor Lopkoff, Aurora. 35 Great-Grandchildren and 25 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gil Sinks (1984); two daughters, Gildene Marie Sinks (1958), and Udonna Denise Henville (2009); two brothers, Jack Scott and Alexander Scott, and her parents, John (1980) and Mary (1998) Scott.

Memorial service will be Friday, March 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will follow at Ft. Lyon National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

The memorial service will be live streamed via Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home FaceBook page.

It was Irene's wish to be cremated and that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.