Amy Austin Encinas

AMY LYNN (AUSTIN) ENCINAS, 59, of Columbus, Mississippi, and longtime resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on October 16th, 2026, held tightly by her closest family and friends after bravely battling cancer for the last 8 years. 

Amy was born in West Point, Mississippi, on November 23, 1966, the first-born daughter and second child to Callie and Sonny Austin. She graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1984 and shortly after, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi University for Women in 1992. 

Our dancing queen was a lover of 70s & 80s music, skating, friends, dancing, singing and lounging with her beach babes (especially in Seaside, FL), she was always chasing the fun. As a young professional, she chose to immerse herself in early childhood education, as she had a deep passion for teaching and mentoring youth. 

While growing up in Columbus, she was always infatuated by the sounds and sights of military fighter planes. As fate would have it, she (finally) fell in love with Patrick Encinas after meeting through mutual friends at their local restaurant: JC Garcia’s. They got engaged in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and shortly after relocated from Columbus, MS, to San Antonio, TX in 1992. 

Her early years of marriage included military assignments in San Antonio, TX, Luke Air Force Base in AZ, Moody Air Force Base in GA. After moving around a few times, she returned to permanently settle in Phoenix in 1998. While in Valdosta, GA, she joined the Werewolves Wives Club of the 69th Fighter Squadron. There, she supported the community and pilots by organizing charity and social events. In Phoenix, she was an active member of Saint Theresa Catholic Church, where she taught and served the school in every way she could. 

Amy’s life was shaped by selflessly giving her love, attention, and affection to everyone around her. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. She made all those lucky enough to be in her orbit feel intimately seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Full of life, she knew how to make even the most ordinary car ride unforgettable. 

Amy is survived by her husband, Patrick H. Encinas, two daughters, Peri Encinas Jaime (Oscar) and Alexandra Encinas, as well as her mother, Callie Ford Austin, brother, Mike Austin, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her father, Marshall H. Austin Jr., Grandparents, Perry and Cleta Ford, and Gertrude and Marshall Austin.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Brophy Chapel, located at 4701 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30am, with the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00am. Following services, family and friends are invited to gather for a reception at the family’s residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as JDRF and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, AZ. All of these organizations held a big place in her heart. 

Though her loved ones are deeply saddened by her passing and her absence will be felt in all things big and small, the boundless love and impact that Amy left will help them navigate this new version of life without her. After many years of fighting the hardest battle, it is comforting to know that she may eternally rest in peace, guiding us with her love from above.