In Loving Memory of Patricia Nadene “Trish” Joplin

Patricia Nadene “Trish” Joplin was born on July 31, 1960, as Patricia Nadene Aulston, to Johnnie Aulston and Jesse (Arnold) Aulston. From a young age, Trish experienced a life rich with movement and adventure, spending her childhood between the Pacific Northwest and New Mexico, with cherished memories formed in many states along the way.

In 1974, Trish met the love of her life, Lavoyd Don Joplin. Though circumstances briefly led them down separate paths, fate brought them back together years later at a simple car wash in Bloomfield, New Mexico a moment that rekindled their love and changed their lives forever. From that day on, they were inseparable. Trish and Don were married on March 18, 1980, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned decades and endured life’s many changes.

Trish married into an already-blended family, lovingly embracing Don’s son, Aaron, as her own. Together, Trish and Don welcomed two more children, son Thomas Derek Joplin Sr. and daughter Bethany LeAnn Joplin. Family was the center of Trish’s life, and she poured her heart into caring for her children, especially during the many times Don was deployed while serving in the United States Air Force.

Life took Trish and her family across the world. They lived in New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Vancouver Island in Canada, and Wiesbaden, Germany. During her years abroad, Trish traveled extensively, including visits to Eastern Bloc countries such as Czechoslovakia. No matter where the family was stationed, Trish made every place feel like home.

When the family eventually returned to Farmington, New Mexico, Trish answered her calling to care for others by working as a Certified Nursing Assistant a role that reflected her gentle spirit and nurturing heart. Her compassion extended far beyond her work. She lovingly cared for her mother during illness and later devoted herself to caring for her daughter with the same strength, patience, and grace.

Trish had a gift for making people feel welcome. She opened her home to friends and family alike and briefly shared her love of thrifting by co-owning a small thrift store with her mother in Bloomfield, New Mexico, called The Three Bears Bargain Box. She found joy in simple pleasures; reading, crocheting, game nights, and most of all, time spent with her grandchildren. Her happiest moments were those filled with laughter, love, and the presence of family.

Known for her calming presence, Trish was gentle, kind, and slow to anger. She carried herself with quiet strength and warmth, touching the lives of those who knew her in ways both big and small. A devoted Christian, Trish found comfort and peace in her faith and read her Bible every night.

Trish is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Lavoyd D. Joplin; her children, Aaron Joplin (Greg), Thomas Derek Joplin Sr. (Janet), and Bethany LeAnn Joplin; her grandchildren, Kayla D’Armond and Thomas Derek Joplin Jr.; and her siblings, Clinton (Sharon) Aulston, Debrah (Roy) Stegemann, Carolyn (Lenord) Taylor, Darrin Waggoner, Calvin (Alishia) Aulston, Lorna Franklin, and Elaine (David) Morrison, brothers in-laws Bobby Joplin (Nancy), Bernie Joplin (Anna), Joey Greene, Glenn Joplin, and Billy Culver (Tracy). Sister in-laws Tracy Culver, Kimberly Culver. Father and mother in-law Bill and Marva Joplin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Ertel Mortuary in Cortez, Colorado, followed by graveside services at Arriola Cemetery outside of Cortez.

Trish’s life was a testament to love, faith, and selfless devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.