Kristi Kae Hartless Obituary

Description: Kristi Kae Hartless Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To Her Loved Ones...

Kristi Kae Hartless

October 7, 1976 — January 14, 2026

La Junta, Colorado

Obituary

Kristi Kae Hartless, 49, of La Junta, Colorado passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born October 10, 1976 in La Junta to Gilbert & Nancy (Schneider) Hartless.

In high school Kristi was involved in FFA (Future Farmers of America), 4-H, softball, and track. She was quite the discus thrower and shot-put hurler, claiming 1992 State Track records of 3rd in the discus and 6th in the shot put. That was her junior year in high school. She was planning to get back to State Track her senior year, to win it all, but during Christmas break of her senior year, Kristi suffered a horseback riding injury which changed her life, leaving her paralyzed and wheelchair bound. She rehabbed at Craig Rehab Center, where she made lifelong friends with both patients and staff. After, Kristi was able to return to La Junta just in time to finish her senior year. And even though she had not been able to compete in track that spring, Coach Bob Murphy found a way for her to attend and help at State Track in May. He told her, “Never let them take this away from you.” Her reply continues to be, “I haven’t. I hope I never do.”

Kristi attended college at CSU-Pueblo, receiving her degree in teaching. She taught at Rocky Ford elementary school, at Colorado Boys Ranch for many years, until the closing of the ranch, and then with East Otero School District. She started as a 2nd grade teacher and then moved on up to the intermediate age group of 3rd through 6th grades. She had a large yellow flower on her desk with a smiley face on it, to remind everyone to look on the positive side of things. It had once been said that the 5th grade team’s laughter could be heard throughout the Intermediate School.

Being paralyzed had not stopped Kristi from living life fully and giving of her time generously. She was involved in 4-H as a youth member and had continued on through these many years as a leader for Country Kids 4-H group, including offering her services as a judge. Kristi & her mother Nancy, along with their 4-H kids, would bring farm animals and pets to the nursing home for the enjoyment of the residents. They would bring everything from chickens, goats, even wagonloads of puppies.

Kristi had umpired recreation league summer ball, before and after her accident. She served as field judge for the discus at track events for years. It was special to the community to watch her join in the commemorative 800-meter lap of the track, with runners of relays past at the start of the last running of Tiger Relays held at the old Tiger Field. Always challenging herself, she could be seen on most Saturday mornings, speed-wheeling along Canal Road, with that smile in full force.

Kristi also would work as the greeter for the cancer survivors who were honored at “Relay for Life” in Swink every July, and she made sure they signed the huge Cancer Survivors Banner. And it’s not surprising at all that she was a longtime and loyal blood donor.

Kristi reached out to many folks, no matter what their age, giving encouragement, going the distance to help those who were in need. A grateful mother mentioned that she had formed a positive relationship with her son who was fighting cancer that included cards, calls, even the adventure of him getting into her wheelchair for a lesson in how to transfer to the driver’s seat of her specialized van. Even the dogs Kristi’s life had been trained and encouraged to be all that they can be, because they were not just companions, but beloved helpmates.

Kristi is one amazing young woman who had made lemonade out of lemons. She would have a smile on her face no matter what the problem or pain she might be in. She was always upbeat and had a heart of gold. Kristi tried to make the world a brighter, better place.

Kristi is survived by her siblings, Debbie (Jerry) Henderson of La Junta, CO; Bob (Dee) Hartless of Carthage, MO; Penny Hartless of Las Vegas, NV; Kathie Hartless of La Junta, CO; Danny Hartless of Ft. Morgan, CO; & Andy (Sherry) Hartless of Rocky Ford, CO; nieces & nephews, Lane Hartless, Kaylee Hartless, Cade Hartless, Eric Hartless, Alex Hartless, & Sydney Byers; aunt, Sharron Krall; along with countless acquaintances & friends. She is preceded in death by her parents & grandparents.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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