Karisa Renea Polach, 40 of Farmington, NM., passed away on April 16, 2026. She was born September 22, 1985 in Farmington to Melodi Peterson.
Karisa had a gift for filling any room with laughter and bringing light into the lives of everyone she touched. A talented chef by trade, she expressed her creativity in everything she loved, through the vibrant paintings she created, the music that moved her, and the meals she prepared with genuine care and passion.
She found joy in life's simplest and most beautiful moments, the sound of a waterfall in the hill of Bisbee, the drama of a monsoon storm rolling in, and the quiet nights by the campfire with Dylan. Karisa had a rare ability to see the good in every soul she encountered, and she never hesitated to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed one.
Her warmth, her laughter, and her light will be forever missed and forever remembered.
Karisa was preceded in death by her daughter Taylor Reigh; grandparents Thomas and Susan Ashley, her uncle Mitchell Thomas, and her cousin Robert Thomas.
She is survived by her life partner Dylan Montano, parents Melodi Peterson and Anthony Polach, her sisters Kathryn Polach (Rachel), Kelsey Polach (Otis), and numerous family and friends that will forever miss her light.
A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.