Christina Marie (Almond) Barlow

Christina, better known as Tina, Barlow left us on May 20, 2022. She was born to Mary and Earl Almond on May 27, 1951, in Grand Junction, Colorado. As she would tell you, she grew up as a military brat as her father served in the navy and the family moved around. She spent much of her childhood in Long Beach, California, where she loved to be near the ocean collecting treasures on the beaches and breathing in the salty air. When Tina was in high school her family moved back to their hometown of Grand Junction and shortly afterward she graduated from Central High School in 1969.

Tina had a habit of falling into easy conversation and developing rich, meaningful relationships with anyone she might meet. She had many lifelong friends that have shared her life’s journey. Through friends, she met the love of her life, Vaun Barlow, right after her graduation and his return from the Vietnam War. They instantly formed a special bond and never looked back. Up until Vaun’s last breath, they preferred no other company above the other. They were gifted 50 full and memorable years together.

If you knew Tina, you know what an eclectic soul she was. She loved music of all kinds and treasured the musicians in her life. She was an artist, a scientist, always had a curious mind, and was open to any adventure. After her children were grown, she earned her degree in geology and spent the rest of her working days in San Angelo, Texas. While in college, she discovered the full skeletal remains of an abnormally large Allosaurus. She was a rock hound and to the chagrin of her family, always filled her home with a variety of rocks and minerals. Tina was the kind of woman who would offer you a ride somewhere, then while waiting in the driveway for you, start digging, and come away with handfuls of fossils. She could find goodies in any environment. She loved the world we live in and was always in awe of God’s creation.

Tina had a deep relationship with, and a steadfast love

of God. Perhaps her most important accomplishment was being called to the office of Deacon at her lifelong church, Community of Christ. She was exceptionally proud to be called to ministry and the unmistakable love and belonging extended to her from the Creator and her congregation. There was nothing more important to her than to extend that same love to everyone she encountered.

Tina was ornery, tenacious, kind, sassy, generous, quirky, unflappable, mischievous, faithful, a devout sports fan, passionate, creative, intelligent, curious, and fearless. Tina loved without bounds. Tina is missed.

Tina is survived by her three children; Aaron, Seth, and Naomi Barlow, three grandchildren, one great-grandaughter, her brother Earl Almond, sister Teresa Barlow, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

If you want to honor her legacy, go digging in the dirt and see what you find. Maybe take a rock home.

Services for Tina will be held at Community of Christ church at 2880 B ½ Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81503, on Saturday, July 30 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to a local organization that supports the LGBTQIA+ community.   

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