Christie Sue Cortez (Paulsen), 66, of Laramie, WY, passed away on February 23, 2021, after a long, brave battle with cancer. She was in her home surrounded by her children, husband, and animals.
Christie was born on February 25, 1954 to Dora (Helen) & Dr. Paul Paulsen in Scottsbluff, NE. She grew up in Scottsbluff, Douglas, and Laramie. Christie graduated in 1972 and married Ruben in 1973 at the Chapel of the Sacred Heart at Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Together they raised their three children: Becky, Matthew & Corey.
In addition to being a fun loving wife, mother, grandmother & homemaker, Christie worked alongside Ruben as the owner, president, and bookkeeper of R.C. Electric Inc. for many years. She was an accomplished quilter, an excellent cook, and an avid gardener- no easy feat in Laramie- and was always willing to share her knowledge and talent with others.
Christie loved people and took a genuine interest in anyone she met. She was a great hostess, always gathering her family, extended family, and friends, and did so with ease. She never hesitated to welcome an extra person (or 10) and would do so gracefully. She loved to be outside, and especially enjoyed summers at the cabin in Glendo. She was full of stories and an ability to turn a possible mishap into a hilarious adventure. She loved animals as much as people and frequently plotted with her grandchildren to bring more dogs into the family.
Christie was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Paul Paulsen & Dora Helen Mahoney, and her sister Paula Brown. She is survived by her husband, Ruben; her sister Jerri Warner of Scottsbluff, NE; her children Becky (Jeff) Fetters of Centennial, CO, Matthew (Chelsea) Cortez of Cheyenne, and Corey Cortez of Denver; her incredibly special grandchildren, Chloe, Payton, Adam, Benjamin, & Evie, her dog Cerro and cat Spooky.
Funeral Liturgy will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at St. Paul’s Newman Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center or Hospice of Laramie.
To watch Christie’s services that were recorded please click the video below
Dennis and I send our love and share in your sorrow at the loss of your mom/grandma. We are sorry we never met her —- we rely on you to share her stories so she can live on for all of us. She leaves behind a wonderful son in you, Matt, and your family.
Dear Ruben, Becky, Matthew, Corey and the rest of your families. Please accept our sincere condolences. Sam & Bonnie Chavez
Blessings go out to Christie’s family and friends. Christie was an awesome lady. Rest In Peace.
Ruben and family We are saddened to hear of Christie’s death. TJ (Terry) and Janet Croco
Ruben and family. So sorry to hear about Christie's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers. God Bless you and your family. Morgan and Terry Vialpando
Ruben, Larry and I are so sorry to hear of Christie's passing. I know you were a very happy, loving couple who enjoyed life and made others feel loved. Our prayers are with you and your family. May we all meet again in our heavenly home.
Ruben So sorry for your loss prayers to you and your family
Christie was a wonderful neighbor and friend for over 20 years. Her love for her family was a driving force in her life, and gave her the strength to face many challenges in life. Now she is at peace in heaven's garden. She will be dearly missed and lives on in our memories.
We are so very sorry to hear of Christie's passing. We have such fond memories of her. She always made everyone feel so welcome with her kind heart and infectious laugh. Please know your family is in our thoughts & prayers.
Dear Ruben and family So sorry to here of Christie’ s passing. Thinking of you guys. We always enjoyed spending time with you and your family. Ed Brolyer
Christie is such a beautiful person. She is loved by anyone she touches, and she has touched many. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Rest In Peace, beautiful lady!
So sorry to hear about Christie. She always greeted me with a huge genuine smile and was always interested about others and never self centered. Again we have nothing but fond thoughts about Christie. God Bless
I am so sad to read of Christie's passing, my thoughts for all of you she leaves here on earth. Christie and I shared the same name, same birthdate (I a bit older) and our sons the same birthdate as we found out when they were born. Memories of your family's kindness come to mind and I hear her laughter in telling me the latest stories of family adventures. The encouragement she gave me, walking at the UW arena and always trying to keep our connection will stay with me. I know family was most important to her. Hugs for you all.
Christie was a beautiful courageous person. We have been friends for many years. Nothing but the best memories with Ruben and his beautiful Christie. She will be taking care of her very special family from a peaceful heaven. God bless all of you.
Cristy was such a Gracious, loving soul. I have so many fond memories of hanging out in her kitchen with her wonderful husband Ruben and family. Those were treasured times and I’ll always hold them dear to my heart. I’m sending light and love to all the family. Kindest regards, Ingrid Agnew (Whittaker).
My deepest sympathy to the family. I remember growing up with the family, going to the lake almost every weekend. Christie was an amazing friend and a true family friend to us. She will be missed by many. Love and Prayers to Ruben and her children. Love Pat and Vicki Heinrich
Christie was such a kind and generous person. We were always made to feel so welcome in her presence, and we have many wonderful memories with her (and the entire Cortez family) at the cabin in Glendo. We will cherish them forever. Thank you for including us in your lives. We are blessed to have known Christie, and we are thankful for you all. -The Moons
Ruben and Corey, and family, we are sorry for your loss of Christie. She was always kind and loving to All of us. We will miss seeing her smile and the listening to her wonderful stories. Hugs.
Thoughts and prayers to an amazing family during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of spending time at the lake with everyone and Christie was an amazing woman. Take care
Ruben and family, We were very saddened to learn of your loss. It is hard to imagine the emptiness when your spouse/mother passes away; she will always be with you in spirit. Please know that love and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Find peace in knowing that others share in your loss.
I am very sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers. May God bless each and everyone of you in this very hard and sad time. Anabell Wurth Alicia Gonzales Christopher Hyatt
I will always cherish “talks” at length with Christie as I cleaned her home. Or, I should say as she helped me clean. Christie cared so much for her family; wanting them to be happy! Cerro protected her every time I showed up; and never left her side as she neared the end of her life. Christie lived every day with a caring heart towards family, friends and animals. Truly, she’s at peace now and her Angel wings will always guide her family until they all meet again! My deepest sympathy Ruben and family! Laura and Ed
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Ron Hearne.
We were so sorry to hear of Christie's passing. She was such a lovely lady. Please know that your family is in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
Sorry for your loss, Tom Brown. Your Aunt is in a better place now.
Our prayers and condolences are with you in this time of sorrow. May God bless you all and give you comfort in the days ahead. Christie will be sorely missed, but her memory and memories will be with you until you meet again. God bless you all. Clay and Glenda Vanlandingham