Patsy (Rogers) Sullivan, 91, a resident of Gila, New Mexico passed away quietly in her home on November 13, 2018. Patsy was a long time resident of Gila and very active member of her community. She was a classy woman with beautiful white hair and always wore red lipstick and a pair of dangley earrings. But it was her love of people that set her apart. She loved to be with people, talking and laughing and enjoying each and every person she met. She never knew a stranger, drawing people to her with an infectious smile and an abundance of hugs.
Patsy was born on September 14, 1927, in Gibson, NM. She was the 3rd child to Noble and Hazel Rogers. Patsy had four sisters; Helen, Gertrude, Ruby, and Ginger; and one brother, L.H. Rogers. Her family lived in McGaffey, Ft. Wingate, and eventually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Patsy married C.C. “Smokie” Sullivan on May 16, 1942. Smokie joined the Army Air Corps during WWII while Patsy remained with her family and moved with them to Kingman, AZ until the end of the war. When Smokie came home they began to build their life together raising 4 children; Doyle, Hazel, Myron, and Glenn. The family moved from Grants, New Mexico to Gila in 1967 when Smokie's job with James Hamilton Construction brought him to the area. Smokie and Patsy bought a farm in Gila and put down deep roots. Patsy was active in Farm Bureau and served for a number of years on the New Mexico State Housing Authority for Region V. She was chairman of the Valley Youth Center in Gila and served on the New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation District for many years.
In addition to her community activities she was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Patsy served a Stake Mission for the church in California 1955-1956, served as Primary President and teacher, choir director, Laurel advisor, Relief Society teacher, Stake Young Womens President, Stake Mission leader, Temple worker, and was a Seminary teacher for 17 years. She loved her church and served the Lord her entire life. Patsy's priority in her life was to be a wife and mother. She devoted her life to the raising of her children and helping and supporting her husband Smokie. She had many talents which she shared generously with those around her. She had strong leadership qualities and enjoyed serving others. One of her talents was her cooking ability. Her pies, cobblers, and breads were mouthwatering delights. She loved to dance and enjoyed music of all types. Patsy played piano and Smokie played guitar and sang so the two of them formed a little band, playing mostly old style country and western music for family and friends.
Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Smokie who died on July 21, 2007. She is survived by all four of her children, 17 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren, her brother L.H. Rogers of Silver City, and two of her sisters; Gertrude Tiede of Utah and Ginger Lucero of Gallup, New Mexico. A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Gila, NM at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Interment will follow at Mesa Cemetery in Gila, NM. Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. "Traditional Services and Care for you family and friends", 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, New Mexico, 88061. Remembrances can be made at http://www.brightfuneral.net