Karla Garde Henke

Our sweet, loving Karla Garde Henke (42) passed peacefully late the evening of March 6 in her brother Kyle’s arms. She had been lovingly cared for in the ICU of Sandoval Regional Medical Center until she passed due to complications from medically unresponsive viral pneumonia and congestive heart failure. As is very common of children with Down syndrome, she was born with congenital heart defects requiring surgery at nine months and again at three and a half. We could have lost her on either occasion, but she fought, survived, and blessed us with 40 more years of unconditional love.

She was born on December 19, 1983 in Farmington, NM to Susan Garde and Steven Henke. Karla attended Piedra Vista High School and graduated in 2006.

Karla was special in many ways - so sensitive to other’s feelings, loving, thoughtful, gentle, and always kind. If she had your birth date in her phone, you could count on her to sing Happy Birthday to you.

She enjoyed swimming, bowling, horseback riding, country music, concerts, performing, dancing and volunteer work at every opportunity. Karla enjoyed her frequent trips to Disneyland, where she could dance with the princesses in her matching costumes.

Karla also enjoyed taking care of her nieces, Sadie and Shelby.

She had multiple caregivers who provided additional love and support for many years. They took her into their homes and their hearts, treated her like family, and made sure Karla could enjoy all of her favorite activities in the community.

Karla had participated in events hosted by the NM Special Olympics and the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network.

Karla is survived by her mother Susan Garde, her father Steve Henke and younger siblings; her sister Kayci Burns (Scott), nieces Sadie and Shelby, and brother Kyle Henke (Makenna).

Karla was preceded in death by her grandfather Alfonso (AJ) Garde, grandfather Marvin Henke, and grandmother Shirley Huebert, as well as her Uncle Jimmy Jenkins.

Karla lived a full life filled with love. While we grieve her passing, the memory of Karla’s boundless joy, kindness and unconditional love can serve as a reminder to us all of the goodness in others.

A celebration of life will be held on March 13, 2026 at 4 pm at Life Church located at 4401 Northern Boulevard NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network or the NM Special Olympics.

https://www.rgdsn.org/donate