Patsy Utterback

Patsy Frances “Frances” Utterback passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023 in Fayetteville, AR, where she had recently moved to be near family.

Frances was born on February 12, 1929 in Pampa, TX, the daughter of Harrison James and Nola Lofland.  She lived in Texas until her move to Monument, NM at age 16.  It was here she met her future husband, James Utterback.  She and James were married for almost 50 years and lived the majority of their married years in Hobbs, NM, where they raised their three sons.

Frances epitomized the adage of prioritizing faith, family and friends.  She was a long time and faithful member of Taylor Street Church of Christ in Hobbs and later a member of Northeast Church of Christ in Albuquerque. She adored her family, even keeping up with technology to communicate regularly with them, and stayed close to her friends, especially her lifelong friend, Sue Pate.

Frances treasured words her whole life from the time she was in spelling bees as a child to later word puzzles on the computer and endless notebooks filled with solved word search games. She wasn’t someone who dwelled on things and was always quick to smile and laugh, especially at herself.  She was so sweet and a true blessing to those who knew her.

She is survived by her three sons, Bruce Utterback (Pia Sweeney) of Hagerstown, MD, Brit Utterback of Hobbs, NM, and Tracy Utterback (Ann Maddox Utterback) of Fayetteville, AR, five grandchildren, Dallas Pipal of Granbury, TX, Anne Richards (Amos Richards) of Fayetteville, AR, Karl Utterback of McLean, VA, Sarah Utterback of Pampa, TX and Toby Utterback of St Louis, MO, and her great granddaughter, Adeline James Richards.  She is also survived by her sister, Janice Lofland of Fredericksburg TX, along with nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James, her two sisters Peggy Floyd and Jewell Cole, and her brother James Lofland.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Frances’ memory to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home (nmcch.org).