Patricia Lou Harper, Longtime Roswell Resident, Dies at 87

Graveside services scheduled for longtime Seventh Day Adventist and ceramic artist.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Patricia Lou Harper, a longtime resident of Roswell, New Mexico, passed away on February 12, 2026 at the age of 87. Harper was born in Glendale, Arizona in 1938 and was raised in Brownsville, Texas by her stepfather Ben Barton. She met her husband Dennis Harper while attending Southwestern Junior College in Keene, Texas, and the couple married in 1959. They lived in Portales, New Mexico for 40 years where they farmed, ranched, and owned a travel agency before moving to Roswell 23 years ago to be closer to their daughter and grandson.

Why it matters

Patricia Harper's life story reflects the changing demographics and economic shifts in small-town New Mexico over the past several decades. Her move from Portales to Roswell mirrors the broader trend of retirees relocating to larger regional hubs, while her lifelong involvement with the Seventh Day Adventist church and passion for ceramics highlight the enduring importance of community and the arts, even as rural towns evolve.

The details

Throughout her life, Patricia Harper remained an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist congregation in Portales, traveling back and forth to attend services even after moving to Roswell. She also enjoyed creating ceramic figurines that she would paint and fire in a kiln, and she entered numerous contests, once winning a cruise. Harper is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Dennis, their daughter Stacy and son-in-law Jonathan Wolkwitz, and grandson Colton, whom she affectionately called "Dodgie".

  • Patricia Lou Harper was born on November 2, 1938 in Glendale, Arizona.
  • Patricia and Dennis Harper married on December 28, 1959 in Brownsville, Texas.
  • The Harpers lived in Portales, New Mexico for 40 years before moving to Roswell 23 years ago.
  • Patricia Lou Harper passed away on February 12, 2026 at her home in Roswell, New Mexico.
  • Graveside services for Patricia Lou Harper will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Portales Cemetery.

The players

Patricia Lou Harper

An 87-year-old resident of Roswell, New Mexico who passed away on February 12, 2026. She was born in Glendale, Arizona in 1938, raised in Brownsville, Texas, and lived in Portales, New Mexico for 40 years before moving to Roswell 23 years ago.

Dennis Harper

Patricia Harper's husband of over 66 years, who will be officiating her graveside services.

Stacy Wolkwitz

Patricia and Dennis Harper's only daughter, who lives in Roswell.

Jonathan Wolkwitz

Stacy Wolkwitz's husband, who will be assisting in officiating Patricia Harper's graveside services.

Colton Wolkwitz

Patricia Harper's treasured grandson, whom she affectionately called "Dodgie".

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The takeaway

Patricia Harper's life exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of small-town New Mexicans, as she and her family navigated changes in their community over the decades. Her lifelong commitment to her Seventh Day Adventist faith and creative pursuits like ceramics underscores the enduring importance of community and the arts, even as rural towns evolve.