Amanda Rodriguez

Amanda Najar Rodriguez

October 9, 1984 – October 9, 2024

Amanda Najar Rodriguez was born on October 9, 1984, to Bernadino & Grace Rodriguez in Carlsbad, NM. At the age of nine months, Louis “Dad” Najar came into Amanda’s and Mom’s Grace Najar lives. Amanda regarded Dad’s house as “home”. She came “home” in 2021 to start working in Roswell again. Back in Roswell, she was a Nurse Practitioner for the UNM Health Alianza of New Mexico Clinic. In 2023, Amanda was diagnosed with leukemia. Treatments for her leukemia included the medical services from Kymera (Roswell), UNM Cancer Center (Albuquerque), University of Texas Southwest Cancer Center (Dallas) and The Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale). On October 5, 2024, she came under the care of Gentiva Hospice at home with Dad. Thanks to all the staff that helped treat Amanda. Prayers of continued health to the unknown Swedish bone marrow donor. On October 9, 2024, her 40th birthday, she was set free of her pain by our Lord Jesus Christ at home surrounded by family, friends, Love and Prayer.

Amanda was a kind, loving, and generous person. She carried herself humbly, and respected human life as well as humane treatment of animals. Her 4’-10” height and contagious smile were unforgettable. Amanda got along with people of all walks of life, she treated people fairly no matter size, shape, race, preference or other. All her life she would enter new schools, universities, work, or any event and she would have conversations and end up with new friends.

Education for Amanda was a fun social process as well as a successful academic accomplishment. Being smart and interactive at school came naturally for her. She was an honors student beginning with elementary school continuing in middle, high school and college. Sports, she played youth basketball, track, and her last year was freshman basketball at Goddard when all her friends had surpassed her 4’-10” height. She just smiled and was very content to have competed.

Amanda graduated with honors from Goddard High School in 2003. She decided to pursue her academics in the medical field. Her first nursing degree was obtained at Eastern New Mexico University at Roswell in 2007. She chose ENMUR because their reputation was producing nursing students that would pass the medical licensure exams at an over 90% success rate. Plus, Dad let her focus on her degree and not have to work. Study groups were common with Amanda hosting at home.

Upon graduation from ENMUR she was worked as a RN nurse at Eastern NM Hospital. This is where she met a doctor and they fell for each other. The doctor took on a good position in Rapid City, South Dakota; and they proceeded to move and live in Rapid City. They had a nice home in the Black Hills of South Dakota just a short distance from Mount Rushmore. While in Rapid City she worked at Rapid City Regional Hospital and also attended South Dakota State University. In 2011, she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. In 2012, she turned down the doctor’s proposal of marriage and starting a family. In good spirits and with her naturally positive outlook she returned home to Dad and Roswell.

In 2013 she was accepted to study Adult-Gerontology; Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She graduated in 2016 with her Master Degree Nurse Practitioner. San Antonio was an exciting and fun chapter in her life. All the friends, culture, music, food that would remain with her in life.

In 2017 she moved to experience life in Austin, Texas. She worked as a Nurse Practitioner while in Austin. More momentous; she enjoyed the diverse cultural offerings which Austin is known for. Countless new friends and fun events. She lived the Covid shutdown in Austin. Also, in Austin she experienced the winter power grid failure. She and friends made the most out of it, by cooking on grills and using pool water to flush toilets. In 2021, she was ready for another chapter and returned home to Dad and Roswell. Little did she know what challenges were ahead.

Amanda was raised in the Catholic Faith. She was baptized in Carlsbad, NM as an infant. In Grants, NM, she attended St. Teresa of Avila where she received her First Reconciliation. First Communion was received at San Jose Church in Carlsbad. In 2002 she received Confirmation at Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. On October 9, 2024, her 40th birthday she received the Anointing of The Sick Sacrament by Father Lalo of St. John’s Catholic Church. Her funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Jarek at Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mother Catholic Church on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 11:00am.

Amanda’s last outing was being one of the honorees for the “Pink Game” sponsored by Roswell High School Lady Coyotes Soccer & Boosters. On October 5, 2024 she was asked to be present before the game for a ceremony. Amanda, wheelchair and all, attended and she was very grateful for this opportunity. As part of the ceremony, RHS Booster requested Amanda to write something motivational or other about herself. The following is what Amanda composed: A message Amanda would like to share is to focus on positivity all your life. Count five things a day that are positive. Do this every day and you will learn to focus on the positive aspects of life.

Faith is important in your life. Gratitude is also important, I’m grateful for the life that I lived. I was able to become a Nurse Practitioner, travel, and live in many cities. I’m very grateful that I wasn’t sick all my life.

When I would be scared or anxious I would be positive and “chest out – chin up” and go forward into the situation.

Her message is a true testament of the internal strength and fortitude she possessed. Those who read her Facebook also experienced her strength and courage of this journey battling leukemia. 

Amanda grew up and lived life sharing her mix of families: Griego, Rodriguez, Najar and so many friends she acquired in her life. She was preceded in death by father Bernadino Rodriguez and brother Ted Rodriguez. Amanda is survived by mother Grace Griego Najar, uncle Rudy Griego and Conchita, aunt Patsy Ybarra and Rogelio, aunt Gloria Jean Mendoza and Robert, cousin Mary Garcia, cousin David Griego and Victoria and many cousins on the Griego/Garcia side. She is also survived by brother Ben Rodriguez, sister Nicole Rodriguez and aunt Olga Rodriguez. On the Najar side she is survived by Dad Louis Najar, brother Louie Najar and Shandie, sister Cynthia Cabezuela and Jesse and nephews/nieces Cy and Rebecca; Isaih, Gabriel, Justyce, Jesiah, Reyna, Miah and Lijah.

Special thanks to Albert Rivas who was there as best friend, personal assistant, care giver, dog sitter, and confidant these past couple of years through the leukemia struggle.

Services are Saturday, October 26, 2024. Rosary at 10:30 am, with Mass to follow at 11:00 am at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Roswell, NM. Internment of ashes at Roswell South Park Cemetery after the mass. Gathering of family & friends at Assumption Hall after the cemetery.