Katherine Jo “Kathy Jo” Pannell of Des Moines, New Mexico

June 19, 1956 – April 1, 2025

Katherine Jo “Kathy Jo” Pannell (née Rivera), age 68, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Des Moines, New Mexico. Born on June 19, 1956, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kathy Jo lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and boundless compassion.

A proud graduate of East Forsyth High School in 1974, Kathy Jo went on to attend the University of North Carolina Charlotte. She built a successful career in clerical work and retired from Hewlett Packard after years of dedicated service. Her professional life was characterized by diligence and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Kathy Jo was a woman of many talents and passions. Adventurous at heart, she found joy in the outdoors-snowmobiling through winter landscapes, traveling to new places, and exploring nature with an eye for beauty in the smallest details. She had a special fondness for collecting unique rocks and repurposing found objects into works of art. A true DIY expert and “jill of all trades,” she brought creativity into every corner of her life.

Her artistic spirit extended into her love for arts and crafts, gardening, and cooking-especially her legendary tamales that brought warmth to countless gatherings. Whether thrifting for hidden treasures or transforming everyday items into something extraordinary, Kathy Jo’s ingenuity knew no bounds.

A devout Catholic, Kathy Jo lived her faith through service to others. She gave generously of her time and energy to help those around her and never hesitated to lend a hand or offer comfort. Her deep spirituality was matched only by her fierce determination; when faced with challenges or doubt from others, she met them head-on with strength and grace.

Those who knew Kathy Jo remember her as caring and loving-a woman who never met a stranger and always saw the best in people. She was smart, thoughtful, forgiving, and steadfast in her convictions. Her beautiful soul radiated kindness and courage; she lived life as fully as possible and shared that fullness with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Kathy Jo is survived by her husband Doug Pannell; beloved son James Efird; cherished mother Patricia Crandle; brother Andy Rivera; nieces Rebecca Short (and husband Joshua), niece Ashley Wickwire (and husband Eric), niece Erin McCarrell-Palmer (and husband Jason); great-niece Rylan Wickwire; and great-nephew Declan Palmer, her best friend of many years Clesteen Windham and her best friend and right hand woman, Donna Gonzalez. She leaves behind many friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her father Luther Rivera and brother Jonathan Russell.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, located at 816 Broadway Avenue, Des Moines, New Mexico 88418. The Rosary will be read beginning at 10:30 AM with Mass to follow. A second service will be held in Albuquerque at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Kathy Jo to either the Des Moines New Mexico Senior Center located at 415 Des Moines Avenue, Des Moines, NM 88418

or the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Kathy Jo’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched with her generosity, strength, and unshakable spirit. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

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