Tina is preceded in death by her beloved father, Glenn Stephens; her paternal grandfather, Howard Audry Stephens; her paternal grandmother, Lily Irene Stephens; her maternal grandfather, Earl Buel Autry; and maternal grandmother, Josephine Winn Autry.
Tina is survived by her mother, Kathryn Autry Gallagher; her daughter, Jennifer Bryan Wittig; her brother, Dennis Howard Stephens and his wife, Sally; Barbara Buxkemper and her husband, Gaylon; Maggie Smith, Earline Zlotkowski and her husband, Joe; Dallas Earl Smith, Johnny Ray Long, Jerrold Long Jr., Jenetta Hoffman and her husband. One of Tina’s greatest joys was spending time with family.
Tina has one precious child, Jennifer Nichole Bryan Wittig, who is married to Erik Wittig. She said her daughter’s birth was the most beautiful gift she had ever received. Tina and her mother, Kathryn, lived together for many years, sharing their lives as mother and daughter and most of all, as best friends. Tina wanted everyone to know that the three will always be three hearts together as one.
Tina was a nurse for over 38 years and loved every minute of it. At work and in all other aspects of life her favorite thing to do was to care for others. She spent the last years of her career at Pine Ridge Extended Care Center, her home away from home. The Pine Ridge family held a special place in her heart. Every person who Tina crossed paths with, she touched in some way. She always had a smile for patients, families, friends and her fellow nursing staff.
One of Tina’s favorite things to do was to shop for groceries. She enjoyed shopping for bargains at City Market and letting shoppers, although complete strangers, know the best buys for their money. She always made sure everyone was well-fed and no one ever went without.
When she was excited, one of Tina’s favorite expressions was, “Holy Moly!” She has made it home now, and she’s having lots of “Holy Moly” moments!
A memorial service will be on Wednesday, June 14, at 1 p.m. at Faith Bible Church, 6862 Galley Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80915.
Any donations, Tina asked to have them be made to Pine Ridge Extended Care Center, Pagosa Springs, for residents’ hair dressing fund.