Kaitlin Reese

Kaitlin Chase Reese was born on June 14, 1988. She died, the victim of a hit and run driver, on August 18, 2025. Kaitlin was predeceased in death by her father, Roger Blake Stanfield, in 1991. She is survived by her son, Ian Blake Brandt; her mother, Rebecca Resse; her aunt, Laurie Scott; her sister, Candice Jill Newman; and cousins, Elizabeth, Angela, Jessica and Robbie.

Kaitlin was raised in Artesia, NM and Hobbs, NM. She graduated from Hobbs High School in 2006. In 2007 Kaitlin moved to Albuquerque, NM, to study her lifelong passion - art. During sixth grade, she wrote and illustrated a comic book. The Rules of Fetch was the story of her adventures with her golden retriever, Charlie.

Kaitlin had the gift of seeing art in everything she observed in life. Her art included drawing, collages of found objects, and print making. While she studied at UNM, she worked as an intern at Matrix Gallery and New Grounds Print Workshop. She loved print making. Kaitlin dedicated her further studies at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, to honing her skills as a print maker. Her prints include anything she observed in the world around her: animals, insects, everyday objects and birds. She loved owls. After her studies at Santa Fe University Art and Design, she continued to draw, journal, and make prints for the rest of her life.

Kaitlin loved animals. When growing up she made dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, a cocktail, a baby snake, and a skink her pets. She never met a stray she did not like take in. When possible, she found homes for them. Other times, she simply took them in and gave them a home.

Kaitlin loved her son, Ian above all else. They played together and shared their secrets. They shared creative ideas and made art together They hiked together looking for objects to incorporate in their art. Kaitlin encouraged Ian's love of sports, even when he was just a toddler. She watched him grow and play soccer, basketball, and football. When Ian decided football would be his sport, she became his devoted cheerleader.

Kaitlin always helped those less fortunate than she. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, renegade spirit, and her incredibly generous heart.