Today, the entire RAW family honors the life and legacy of Deanna Encinias, one of the founding members of RAW.
Deanna was part of RAW from the beginning. She did not simply attend or support this ministry—she became part of its foundation. She believed in the mission, stood with us as we began, and will forever remain part of the story God is writing through RAW.
Every person who is restored, every family that is encouraged, and every life that is introduced to the hope of Jesus through this ministry will be connected to the foundation Deanna helped establish. Her physical presence will be deeply missed, but her place within RAW can never be replaced or forgotten.
Her love lives on.
Deanna loved her family deeply. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Each person she loved held a special place in her heart, and the love she gave so freely will remain part of her beautiful legacy.
Although Deanna faced a difficult battle with cancer, cancer does not have the final word over her life. Jesus does. On August 30, 2026, at 5:43 p.m., her earthly suffering ended, and she entered her eternal home.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
John 11:25 NLT
We grieve because Deanna mattered. We feel this loss because we loved her. Yet we also rejoice in the promise that she is no longer suffering. She is resting in the presence of the Lord, where there is no more sickness, sorrow, crying, or pain.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.”
Revelation 21:4 NLT
Deanna, RAW honors you.
We honor your faith.
We honor your love for your family.
We honor your friendship.
We honor the part you played in our beginning.
We honor the legacy you leave behind.
Your name will always have a place in the history of RAW. As this ministry continues to grow, serve, restore, and carry the love of Christ into the community, we will remember that you were there when the foundation was being laid.
You will forever be remembered as a beloved member of our RAW family and as one of the people who helped us begin.
Her voice • Her smile • Her memory
Remembering Deanna
These moments allow us to remember Deanna as she lived and loved. Her voice, her presence, and the memories she gave us remain precious to the RAW family.
Till we meet again, our beautiful friend.
Your legacy will live on through RAW. We thank God for the privilege of knowing you, loving you, and beginning this ministry journey with you. You will always be part of our story.
With love, honor, and gratitude,
Rev. Faith Appelgren and the entire RAW family
A memorial guestbook
Share a memory of Deanna
If Deanna touched your life, we invite you to share a memory, a story, or a few words about what she meant to you. Each tribute will be reviewed by RAW before it is published.
In her honor
Tributes to Deanna
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