Christine Elaine Whalen

Christine Elaine Downey-Whalen, 46, of Swink, passed away on July 3, 2015 in a car accident near her home. She was born on January 9, 1969 in La Junta, Colorado to Timothy Downey & Judith Gonzales. She married Preston Whalen on November 25, 2000. 
 
Christine graduated from La Junta High School class of 1987. She also attended Otero Junior College.  She owned and operated Xpress Printers in La Junta since 2007. She was previously employed at Hickory House, La Junta Elks Lodge, Dr. Rosa Lacy, DDS, La Junta School District, and Arkansas Valley Family Practice. She also was a member of the Swink Lions Club and the Swink School Board.
 
She was deeply involved in many athletic ventures including: Swink School Athletics, Arkansas Valley Bandits, and numerous recreational teams and all-star teams.
 
She is survived by her husband, Preston of the Swink home; daughters, Shelby Whalen of Pueblo, CO; Laura and Jenny Whalen; and nephew, Ryder Kirby all of Swink; parents, Rick & Judy Dell of Swink; her in-laws, Paula (the late Steve) Malott of Colorado; sisters, Susan (Horace) Moreno of Pueblo, CO; Sherry Downey of Joshua Tree, CA; Deena Downey of Swink; and brother, Tyler Dell of Ft. Collins; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her father Timothy Downey.
 
A scholarship fund has been set with the Swink School, Po Box 487, Swink, CO, 81077 direct or through the funeral home.
 
 
 
 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Swink School Gymnasium with Pastor John Dell of the First Christian Church of Rocky Ford officiating.