Christeen Cutright

Christeen Cutright, 97, affectionately known as Chris or Grandma, passed away peacefully in Hobbs, NM surrounded by her loving family on February 14, 2026. She was born on January 25, 1929, in Littlefield, TX to Pitt and Eula Mae Cowan. Chris was next to last of sixteen children.

Chris married J.G. (Jiggs) Cutright in Elk City, OK, August 4,1945. He was on furlough from overseas from the military. They knew each other for only 18 days and had an ever-lasting marriage.

Chris was raised on a farm near Littlefield, TX, where the kids worked on the farm and the fields to help with the crops. Chris attended schools in Littlefield, Fieldton, Amherst, and Hart, TX. She was a member of Taylor Street Church of Christ in Hobbs, NM. She was baptized in Guymon, OK, where she lived with J.G. at the time. In her early years Chris drove a bus for the Hobbs school system. Then went on to beauty college and worked at a few beauty shops in Hobbs, before opening her own shop on South Turner Street called Chris's Beauty Shop beside J.G.'s shop called Lea Enterprises Oilfield Engine Repair. She retired so she and J.G. could travel with the God Sam's Travel Club and she could help with great grandchildren.

Chris loved to play cards (42), play pool, dance and entertain friends at home. She and J.G. loved to square dance and go camping. She was at one time a member of the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, Rebekahs Lodge and Good Sam's Travel Club.

Chris's greatest time in life was having her family over for Sunday meals and backyard volleyball games and church. She was a woman who defined what it means to love deeply, forgive freely, and care without limits.

If you knew her, you knew kindness. It was not something she tried to be-it was simply who she was. She was gentle in her words, steady in her presence, and generous with her heart. She had a way of making every person feel seen, valued, and safe.

She was the glue that held her family together. She remembered birthdays. She checked in when someone was struggling. She forgave when it would have been easier to hold onto hurt. She chose love-every single time.

Everyone loved her, and that is because she loved everyone first.

The family she has today is because of her. The way they show up for each other. The way they protect one another. The way they forgive, and try again, and stay connected. Those are her fingerprints on their lives. She built her family with patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

In her final hours, her family had the privilege of caring for her the way she cared for them. They surrounded her with the same tenderness she gave so freely her whole life. They will never forget that a nurse at the hospital was moved to tears. He said he hated seeing this happen to such a caring and loving close knit family. That moment reminded them that her love did not just impact them-it was visible to others.

She left this world the same way she lived in it-surrounded by love.

Chris will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her spirit, her unwavering faith, and above all, her deep devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the community she served, and the countless lives she touched.

While the family's hearts are heavy, they are also grateful. Grateful for the example she set. Grateful for the foundation she built. Grateful that they were hers, and she was theirs.

Chris is survived by her son Danny Cutright, daughter Diane Daniel of Hobbs, daughter Linda Wright and spouse Scotty Wright of Coleman, TX. Grandsons Corey Cutright of Hobbs, James Barton of Hobbs. Granddaughters Christy Hammer and spouse Mike Hammer of Guthrie, OK, Elizabeth McGill and spouse Brandon McGill of Colorado Springs, CO. Six great grandchildren, Brittany Zembas, Jaden McGill, Jacob Hammer, Trinity McGill, Kaleb Hammer, and Branton McGill, and Tori Dodson. Four great great grandchildren, Wrenley, Rhett, Archer, and LaRayiah.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband J.G., fifteen siblings, a grandson, and a great great grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Portales Children's Home or to your choice.