Val Barela

It is with sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of our father, brother and uncle Val T. Barela. Mr. Barela passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the age of 89 at his home in San Ysidro. Mr. Barela was born on April 15, 1925, to Refugia "Cuca" and Guillermo Barela at the Romero/Barela family farm on Hwy 85 north of Las Cruces. Preceding him in death was wife, Bettina Lujan Barela; brothers, Willie and David Barela; sisters, Corine and Eloisa Barela, Minnie Lipron, Caroline Darby, and his parents. After high school, Mr. Barela decided to go into farming to help provide agricultural produce during WWII. He was a lifelong farmer and a few times produced the first cotton bale harvested in the Mesilla Valley. In addition, he was the proprietor of Val's Riding Stable providing riding lessons to tourists and locals off of Hwy 85. Many people recount the memories of trail rides or camping trips with Val into the mountains. Mr. Barela was featured in a local magazine with a three-part series titled "Horsemanship Val Barela Style" circa 1970s. Later in the 1990s, he was a successful pilot car driver for heavy load machinery traveling across the United States. Mr. Barela enjoyed living on the family farm, caring for his animals. In his spare time he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. Val was a great storyteller and documented many cherished stories for his children. His wonderful smiles and laughter will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include a daughter, Corine Barela Heine and a son Joe Barela. Also surviving Mr. Barela is his brother Julio. Other survivors include several nieces and nephews. Many friends and caregivers supported and assisted Val during his time of need. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service to follow at 7 p.m. today, May 7, 2014, at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman off of Solano. The funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey in Dona Ana, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery 760 S. Compress, following the funeral Mass. Services are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave Las Cruces, NM 88001. To sign the local online guest book visit www.GetzCares.com.