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Gilbert Varela Obituary
He was born on Dec. 30, 1943, to Raymond Varela and Josephine Montoya Varela in Las Vegas.
Gilbert graduated from West Las Vegas High School and attended Highlands University. He enlisted in the United States Marines from April 1963 to April 1967, where he was a Marine Guard for an Admiral on the USS Midway.
He was the owner and operator of Ray's Liquor Store in Las Vegas for the past 42 years. He was also an avid reader.
A Catholic, he was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Josephine Varela; and sister, Viola Calderon.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Doris Varela of the family home in Las Vegas; daughter, Brenda Varela of Albuquerque; son, Gilbert C. Varela Jr. of Santa Fe; granddaughter, Allie Varela of Albuquerque; grandson, Josh Varela of Las Vegas; great-grandson, Brayden Brito of Las Vegas; sisters, Carla Jaramillo and husband, Ralph, of Santa Fe, and JoAnn Varela Gallegos of Las Vegas; brother-in-law, Alex Montaño and wife, Antionette, of Pojoaque, and Robert Montaño of Albuquerque; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Rosary services will be held 7 p.m. today (Friday) at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas. Funeral Service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with Father George V. Salazar as celebrant. Interment will take place at 9:45 a.m. on Monday at 9:45 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Serving as casket bearers will be Josh Varela, Alex Montaño, Ralph Jaramillo, Chris Garduño, Leo Gonzales and Matthew Montaño. Honorary bearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandson.
Visit Rogers Mortuary's website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign their online register book.
Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas; 425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Varela
Miguel licona
February 11, 2025
I just came across this news, Doris, I was friends while at highlands university in 1979-80. He was as good friends. Hasta la vista!
Alfonso V. Garcia, Jr.
June 11, 2023
Gilbert was a childhood friend of mine, since I was 8 or 9 years of age, through 1965. As a child, we were next door neighbors on Chavez Street in Las Vegas. I spent my early childhood living there, in Las Vegas. I joined the Navy and he, the Marines. He served aboard the USS Midway (aircraft carrier), now on permanent disply in San Diego as a museum ship. I was a crew member on the USS Chicago, a Heavy Guided Missle Cruiser. We served in the same fleet. Then one day, the USS Chicago and USS Midway were conducting joint operation with a Pacific fleet battle group. We knew each other's ship and at our first port-of-call, I went aboard the Midway to visit him. In later years, we lost contact with each other. He was a very good friend of mine.
Tony Abeyta
October 27, 2016
Sorry to hear about Gilbert.God Bless you all
Joe Gallegos
October 25, 2016
My prayers are with you guys
Lorraine Garduno-Leger
October 23, 2016
My deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for the entire family during this time. May he rest in peace
Phillip Gonzales
October 21, 2016
Our condolences to the Varela family. Gilbert, Viola, et.al were our cousins.
Darwin Ludi
October 20, 2016
My condolences to Gilbert's family. I had been meaning to stop by his business when in Las Vegas but unfortunately never did. The last time I saw Gilbert was when we were in high school. I understand he later served his country as a Marine. Thank you Gilbert for your service. Semper Fi, God Bless you and your family.
Joanne Vigil
October 20, 2016
I'm so sorry Doris for your loss,prayers will be sent your way, this is Joanne from Texas Aggies daughter...may Gilbert RIP..
October 20, 2016
Doris, Gilbert Jr. and Brenda,
Our condolences for the loss of Gilbert Sr., you all are in our hearts at this time and in our prayers. We are blessed to have you as family. Keep yours eyes on the "Lord" and may your "Faith" comfort you through this time. John 3:16
In His Name and Love, The Jaramillo's
Ralph, Karla, Ashley, Whitney and Tiffaney
Carmen Gonzales
October 19, 2016
Condolences to Gilbert's family. May he rest in peace.
October 19, 2016
Doris...so sorry ...its Bernie....Cleos son...we will pray for Gilbert's soul
Larry Rascon
October 19, 2016
Rest in Peace my good friend. Thanks for the memories.
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