The birds seemed to “gossip” a little louder when she was near, as if they knew she was listening, and the sound of bagpipes brought her to tears. Patricia Elaine Roderick, “Trish”, passed away peacefully at her home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on March 11, 2026, with the Organ Mountains quietly watching over her.

Trish was born on November 2, 1953, in Clifton, Texas, to Louis Reed and Elaine Haase. She later lived in El Paso for many years before settling in the Mesilla Valley, the place she truly considered her heart’s home. Her Texas and New Mexico roots and her family shaped her into someone strong, creative, and full of love for the people around her. She was a dependable and loving older sister.

She was an artist in the truest sense. Trish had a way of creatively capturing moments, like cowboys sketched in charcoal, or Southwest architecture in bold pastels. Her home was warm and felt like an extension of her art. It was filled with her rooster collection, the smell of red chile, and a pot of coffee brewing all day.

She loved simple, meaningful things like the smell of creosote after the rain, the sound of the birds in her trees, and the desert skies. She also cherished seeing the world with family, traveling to places like Alaska, the Caribbean, and Scotland. She believed in something greater, often spoke of angels, and carried a strong, quiet faith with her. She called every girl “darlin’” or “babydoll,” and made people feel seen and cared for in the smallest, most genuine ways. Trish was strong-willed in the best way; gracefully stubborn, deeply loyal, guided by God and love.

Above all, family was everything to her. Trish was the heart of Thanksgiving, bringing everyone together with tamales, queso, taquitos, and pecan pie. She was a steady root, the one who gathered us close. She loved her sons fiercely, unconditionally, and cherished her stepdaughter as her own. Trish’s growing family was her pride and joy. The traditions she created, the laughter and gratitude she shared, and the love she gave so freely, will continue to shine on through her family.

She is survived by her brother, J. Dean Reed and his wife, Vicki; her nephews and niece, Cody, Tyler, Sam, and Stephanie; her son, Quatro Roderick and his wife, MeriChris; with their children, Ellie and her husband Christopher, and Johanna (“Jojo”); her son, Dean Roderick and his wife, Jennifer; with their children, Nora, Alice, Mia, and Caleb and his wife, Jamie; and their son, Mason, her great-grandson; and her stepdaughter, Angela Wright and her husband, Todd; with their children, Logan, Lauren, and Rachel.

She is preceded in death by her father, Louis Reed; her mother, Elaine Haase; her stepfather, Robert J. Haase; and her brothers, Walter Reed and John Reed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 1 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Rio Grande Winery (5321 NM-28, Las Cruces, NM 88005), where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and memories.

Trish once shared this quote:

“I want to stay the kind of person who talks to animals and smiles at babies. I want to always love the sound of rain on the roof and the way the air smells at dusk. I want to feel a bittersweet pang when I look at old photos of loved ones. I never want to forget that being grateful is a choice.”

In her memory, we hold onto that spirit by choosing gratitude, noticing the small moments, and remembering that life is a gift and family is the root of it all.