Christine A. Donisthorpe

1932 - 2017

Christine A. Donisthorpe, 85, of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2017, following a brave and extended battle with cancer. She was born May 31, 1932, and reared in Fergus County, Mont.
Christine was one of eleven children of Lambert and Ludmilla Benes. She and her husband, Oscar, moved to San Juan County in 1953, where Oscar established a law practice after attaining his law degree at the University of Montana. Together, they farmed 116 acres southwest of Bloomfield on the Hammond Irrigation District. She was very "hands-on" in the farming operation, performing any and all tasks required in raising livestock and alfalfa. Christine was also a Realtor, operating a realty office in Bloomfield for many years.
Christine served her community on the Bloomfield Board of Education and was appointed to a vacancy in Senate District 2. She was re-elected four times and served 17 years representing Bloomfield and San Juan County in the New Mexico State Senate.
Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; daughter, Karen; and son, Bruce. She is survived by her sons, Paul (Liane) and Brain (Theresa); and grandchildren, Nicole Donisthorpe, Andrew Robinson, Neil Robinson, Kurtis Donisthorpe and Karysta Donisthorpe. She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Johnson of Olympia, Wa. and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, she leaves behind her very close friends, Cliffa and Doug Bryan of Bloomfield, who were so very helpful in seeing to her needs, as well as countless friends and neighbors in Bloomfield and San Juan County.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 28 at Bethel Baptist Church, 201 Heiland Road in Aztec. Interment will follow at the Bloomfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Bloomfield Library, San Juan College Foundation or to the charity of your choice.
Christine's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington, 404 W. Arrington St., 505-327-5142. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.