Billie Patricia 'Pat' Boulden

Billie Patricia Boulden, known to most as “Pat,” was born July 5, 1938, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Ivan Earl Reese and Mildred Elizabeth Abbot Reese. Her birth was the beginning of a life journey marked by resilience, faith, and determination.

Surrounded by her loving family, Pat passed away peacefully Saturday, June 06, 2026, at the age of 87. She was 29 days shy of her 88th Birthday.

In 1950, at 11 years old, Pat moved with her mother and stepfather to Carlsbad when her stepfather accepted a job in the mines. She later graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1957. During her time at CHS, she was a majorette with the band.

That same year, in December 1957, Pat married Arthur “Les” Boulden and moved to Artesia, her husband’s hometown. Together they welcomed a daughter and a son. She devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom, ensuring her children were well cared for.

In 1968, Pat faced a new chapter as a single mother and moved back to Carlsbad. Determined to provide for her family, she worked at the Gas Company of New Mexico, balancing hard work with raising her children. In 1977, she remarried and worked alongside her husband in his small business. She later spent a year working at Calvani Carpet.

After divorcing again in 1987, Pat once more showed her strength and independence. In July 1988, she began working at Carlsbad Magistrate Court. She retired as Chief Court Clerk in 2001. Through perseverance and wise stewardship, Pat accomplished an incredible milestone—paying off two homes over the years. Her life is a testament to grit, faith, and determination. In retirement Pat began line dancing at North Mesa Senior Center. This marked a beautiful beginning to a beloved hobby and even more dear friendships. She was a proud “Country Gold Line Dance” Member for 22 years.

Pat was known as Momma, Mummy, Gumma, Grandma Billie, Billie, Billie Pat & Aunt Billie. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend. Pat had a special gift for hospitality, and is known for her social spirit, her cooking, baking skills and her love for dancing. She enjoyed tending to her yard, and spending her days visiting with her family and friends. In recent years, she attended church with her son at Carlsbad First Assembly, where she loved hearing her son and daughter lead worship. On Thursdays she participated in a women’s morning Bible study at Cavern Baptist Church.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Leslie Boulden Marable (Mike), and son, Steven Boulden. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Drew Marable (Taylor). Dallas Marable, Alick Yowela, (Kerri), and Randi Lopez (Ricky); as well as her great-grandchildren, Knox, Harper, and Piper Marable; Elliette, Emelia, and Everly Lopez; and Olivia, Charlotte, Awesome, and Madelyn Yowela. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, special friends, and Country Gold Family, whom she loved dearly.

Pat was preceded in death by her father, Ivan Reese; her mother, Mildred Stevenson, step-father, Steve Stevenson; her brothers, Denzel Reese, Kenneth Reese, sisters, Helen Phipps, Camella Reese Miller, and Betty Lee Reese.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Pat’s Grandsons: Drew Marable, Dallas Marable, Alick Yowela, and Ricky Lopez.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Denton Wood Funeral Home, 1001 N Canal St, Carlsbad, NM. Funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM with Pastor Brad Coates officiating.