Rafael Florito Barela

Man of God, family man, hard worker, Rafael “Ralph” Barela passed away at the age of 77. He is the loving husband of Domitilia “Domie” for 57 years. Ralph is fondly known by many names such as Hon, Dad, Grandpo, Pompo, Pampo and Tata. It was only fair because he had nicknames for all of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids as well. If you knew him, he likely had a nickname for you, too. Ralph was born on September 12, 1944 in Tajique, New Mexico, to Pedro and Emilia (Chavez) Barela. He married Domie, the love of his life, on September 26, 1964. They made their home in Estancia where they raised their children Ted, John and Dina. Ralph was a member of the New Mexico Department of Transportation family where, after 25 years of service, he retired as a District Five Area Maintenance Superintendent. He also worked for the Old Co-op Feedstore, Hobbs Feedstore, Marble Plant, Scott the Bricklayer doing block work, and See Gee Engineering. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Estancia Fire Department. Ralph took advantage of every conversation to tell people about his faithful, loving God and to give practical advice. Every morning, Ralph and Domie lifted up every member of their family in prayer by name. He was the rock of the family and could be counted on in every circumstance. The strong man that he was, turned into the softest heart as he lived out his life-long commitment to Domie, as he hugged his great grandkids so tightly, or as he and Domie sang “Las Mañanitas” to their kids and grandkids on their birthdays. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Rosendo Barela Sr. and wife Carmen, and Pete Barela Jr.; sister Lena Barela; brothers-in-law Albert Chavez and Emil Montoya. Ralph is survived by wife Domie Barela; sons Theodore “Ted” Barela (Janice) and John Barela (Josephine); daughter Dina Moore (Jayson); grandchildren Jonathan Barela (Michelle), Alyssa Shanley (Justin), Christopher Barela, Sharalynn Lucero (Eric), Rachelle Barela (Michael), John “Tyler” Moore and Jaydin Moore; great grandkids Quintin Barela, Abigail Barela, Justin “JC” Shanley, Hattie Barela, Gracelynn Shanley, Zander Shanley and Zaylor Corrs; sisters Alice Trujillo (Jesus), Barbara Chavez and Corine Montoya and sister in law, Maria Barela. A public celebration of Ralph’s life will be held for family and friends on Friday, December 17, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Citizen Church, 10500 Copper Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87123. The celebration will be officiated by Adam Barela. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family and will be officiated by Dr. Dennis Otero of Olive Tree Fellowship. Pallbearers are Jonathan Barela, Christopher Barela, John “Tyler” Moore, Justin Shanley, Eric Lucero and Michael Corrs. Honorary pallbearers are Quintin Barela, Justin “JC” Shanley, Zander Shanley and Zaylor Corrs.