Kathryn Lynne Encinas

Kathryn Lynne Warnement Encinas, a devoted mother, gifted artist, and lover of nature, went home to the Lord on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at her children’s home in Julian, California, after courageously facing Alzheimer’s and uterine cancer.

Born in Toledo, Ohio on October 20, 1947 to Franklin and Audrey Warnement, Kathryn began her early years attending Glendale Elementary School before moving to San Diego, California at the age of 9. She later graduated from Madison High School in 1965, where her lifelong passions began to blossom, especially her love of art, the outdoors and caring for others.

Kathryn loved the Lord with all of her heart and lived a life rich in creativity, compassion and wonder. She held many roles throughout her life, but those that allowed her to nurture others and share her gifts, she was most passionate about. She was an accomplished artist and natural teacher, inspiring young minds— including those of her own children— as their art teacher in elementary school and later teaching art classes at Michael’s Arts and Crafts, where she encouraged others to explore their creativity. Some of her most cherished roles involved sharing her love for art and nature with others.

Kathryn also served with warmth and dedication in the California State Parks and Museums, leading tours and sharing her knowledge with visitors. She worked as a school bus driver and in other transportation roles, where her kindness left a lasting impression on those she encountered.

Nature was Kathryn’s sanctuary and she had an intense yearning for the outdoors. She loved Entomology and even as a young girl, would find and keep the many bugs she admired, in jars next to her bed. She found joy in every living thing—from the “futterbies”, (as she so lovingly called butterflies, saying butter doesn’t fly, and butterflies, futter by) and the many insects she so cherished, to the chickens, turkeys, and rabbits she lovingly raised alongside her children. As a 4-H leader, she shared her passion for homesteading with her children, filling their days with fresh eggs, blooming gardens, and treasured life lessons. Her annual garden was her happy place where she spent countless hours tending to it. Her deep appreciation for life’s small wonders was
contagious.
She also loved to sing and dance, often filling her home with music and joy. She taught her children constantly—about art, nature, and the importance of curiosity and kindness. Whether catching “futterbies” with her children and grandchildren along the banks of the San Luis Rey River, exploring the San Diego Zoo, to walks through the Botanical Gardens at Balboa Park and so much more, she made childhood magical.
Above all, Kathryn’s greatest joy was her family. She was a nurturing and adventurous mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enriched her children’s lives with memories filled with love, laughter, and learning.
Kathryn’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy is one of creativity, generosity, and a deep connection to this beautiful world we live in. Kathryn was a resident of Ramona, CA for more than 40 years and is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ricardo Encinas of Ramona, CA; her son, James Matthews of

Gainesville, FL; daughters, Audina (Encinas) Kenny Morytko Sr. of Julian, CA., and Ramona (Encinas) Hernandez of Winchester, CA; sister Gina Miller of Grants Pass, OR.; grandchildren, CarlaLynn, Kayla, Hunter, Seth, Ocean, Kenny Jr and Meadow; great-granddaughter, AudraLynna; and nieces Rachel, Rebekah and Sarah.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 2:00pm at First Congregational Church, 404 8th St., Ramona, CA. Reception (potluck style) to follow at Dos Picos Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona, CA.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service assisted the family.

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