Ernestine “Tina” Encinias

Ernestine “Tina” Encinias passed away peacefully on June 17th at her home in the Pilgram Terrace community in Santa Barbara while being cared for by her devoted partner Richard Mattson. He and she met there and fell in love there in 2003. Tina was born in Trementina, New Mexico on July 26, 1939, to the late Pedro and Adela Encinias. At age 11 in Las Vegas, New Mexico her mother died giving childbirth & Tina with her sister Angela & brother Joe, were taken in by their hard working, practical, “tough love” Grandma Rosenda on her ranch back in Trementina. Tina would learn many “how to” skills from ranch life, but when she tested the rules in her late teens Grandma sent her away to learn proper values, more life skills, and to eventually earn a degree in cosmetology. Having moved here to Santa Barbara in the early 60’s with her two children Della & Mario. She was devoted to them and had another daughter Doreen born here in Santa Barbara. Having experienced disappointment from two unreciprocated commitments to family in New Mexico & now here, Tina discovered that her relationship with her family, friends, and herself was most important. Trusting God as a higher power was a source she could truly depend on. She spent the time to read, participating in different philosophical groups & ways to obtain peace, self confidence, and learning to trust her own intuitive feelings and observations. She became a strong, independent, responsible loving person who cared about the right way to live. “Tina’s way!” She knew what works and what does not. She was not afraid to share that with family, friends, and folks that appeared to need some sound advice to obtain a better way of living. Ernestine will always be remembered for her direct honesty to those she cared about. She was not one to suffer fools. To her friends and family, she was known as quick-witted, fun loving, extremly observant, and artistically talented in everything she set her mind to do! She created some beautiful works of art and very special memories for all of us. She will be greatly missed! Ernestina is preceded in death by son Mario Aragon, daughter Della Aragon, and their aunt “Dewey” of Santa Barbara. She is survived by her daughter Doreen Licon of Santa Barbara, her grandsons, Michael Ybarra and David Ybarra, great-grandson Gabriel Ybarra of Santa Barbara, granddaugther Monica and Shane Bennet of Yorkshire, England, her 1st cousin Aggie Orr of Pueblo, Colorado, her niece Esperanza Perez who was there for her when she needed support, and her forever grateful boyfriend, and beloved companion for nineteen years Richard Mattson.

There will be a gravesite service at Calvary Cemetary @ 199 Hope Ave. in Santa Barbara @ 10:30 AM Tuesday the 26th of July followed by a reception and celebration of Tina’s amazing life @ the Unity Church @ 227 E Arrellaga St. in Santa Barbara. All friends & family welcome!