Arkansas Valley’s Bonnie Ellis Named Miss Congeniality at 52nd Annual Silver Queen Celebration

Description: Bonnie Ellis, 77, of Prairie View Village in Las Animas was named 2026 Miss Congeniality at the 52nd Annual Silver Queen celebration in Pueblo...

Arkansas Valley’s Bonnie Ellis Named Miss Congeniality at 52nd Annual Silver Queen Celebration

Pueblo, Colo. — Just one week after being crowned the Arkansas Valley Fair Silver Queen, Bonnie Ellis, 77, of Prairie View Village in Las Animas, earned another honor when she was named Miss Congeniality at Sangre de Cristo Community Care’s 52nd Annual Silver Queen event on August 26 at the Pueblo Country Club.

Ellis proudly wore her Arkansas Valley Fair Silver Queen sash to the event as she joined nine other finalists from across Southern Colorado.

Born in Pueblo, Ellis has spent much of her life working with young people as a coach and educator. Over the past 47 years, she has taught more than 5,000 children. She is also the proud mother of three, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of six.

When asked why she wanted to be Silver Queen, Ellis gave an answer that perfectly captured her personality:

“I’m fun!”

That outgoing spirit and positive personality helped earn her the title of 2026 Miss Congeniality.

Also representing the Arkansas Valley was Annette Fenter, 74, of Bluestem Village in La Junta. Fenter worked as a cosmetologist in La Junta, Texas and Kansas and also provided private care as a CNA. She is known for her strong faith, family ties and memorable life experiences, including meeting actors James Arness and Charles Bronson.

Approximately 90 guests attended the Silver Queen celebration, including residents, families, friends, facility staff and community partners from across Southern Colorado. Participating facilities also held watch parties so residents could cheer on their finalists from home.

The 2026 Silver Queen was Mary Woody, 101, of University Park Care Center in Pueblo. Eleanor Foley, 90, of La Veta Village was named Runner-Up, and Ellis received the title of Miss Congeniality.

The Silver Queen tradition began in 1974 as a way to recognize and celebrate senior women living in nursing homes. More than five decades later, the event continues to honor women for their accomplishments, resilience, service, families, personalities and the joy they bring to their communities.

Sangre de Cristo Community Care extends a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who helped make the 52nd Annual Silver Queen possible: Minnequa Works Credit Union, Mark Gregory State Farm Insurance, Visiting Angels, Senior Resource Development Agency and Rocky Mountain Health Plans, along with Jack Armstrong Jewelers, which provided the Silver Queen crown.

Bonnie Ellis, 77, of Prairie View Village, in Las Animas, is named Miss Congeniality of the 2026 Silver Queen Pageant, held on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Bonnie Ellis, 77, of Prairie View Village, in Las Animas, waves as she is named 2026 Miss Congeniality of the Silver Queen Pageant held on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Ellis was also crowned Silver Queen of the Arkansas Valley Fair. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

(From left to right) Bonnie Ellis, 77, of Prairie View Village in Las Animas, Mary Woody, 101, of University Park Care Center, in Pueblo and Eleanor Foley, 90, of La Veta Village, pose for a photo after getting named winners of the 2026 Silver Queen Pageant on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Ellis was named Miss Congeniality, Woody was named Silver Queen and Foley was named Runner-Up Silver Queen. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Annette Fenter, 74, of Bluestem Village in La Junta, was one of 10 finalists at the 2026 Silver Queen Pageant held on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Destiny Jaramillo, Activities Director of Bluestem Village in La Junta, talks to Annette “Nettie” Fenter, 74, of Bluestem Village, at the 52nd Annual Silver Queen Pageant held on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Fenter is one of 10 finalists to compete in this event. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Bluestem Village staff holds signs in support of top 10 Silver Queen finalist Annette “Nettie” Fenter at the event on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Christina Tozzie, Executive Director of the Arkansas Valley Health Foundation and Director of Business Development at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, waves as she serves as a judge for the 52nd Annual Silver Queen Pageant held on Aug. 26 at the Pueblo Country Club. Photo by Mia Gilbertson/Sangre de Cristo Community Care

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