Gilbert Varela

Gilbert “Chabet” Varela, 67, passed away suddenly on August 4, 2025, in his home in La Madera, NM. Gilbert was born on October 16, 1957, in Cañon Plaza, NM, the son of Natividad Varela and Simonita Martinez. He lived most of his life in northern New Mexico working as a logger, wildland firefighter, carpenter, mason, and retired as a custodian of the Mesa Vista School District. Gilbert was a gifted craftsman who left behind beautiful enhancements to many homes and properties in New Mexico, California, and Colorado that ranged from portales, flagstone masonry, stucco, and other quality carpentry work. Gilbert loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, coaching softball, and listening to the UNM Lobos basketball on the radio. He treasured time with his family and friends.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Natividad and Simonita Varela, brothers Simon, Larry, and Donald Varela, sisters Flora Montaño and Virginia Ortega, brothers-in-law Alex Montaño, Sr. and Jimmy Ortega, Sr., sisters-in-law Georgia and Brenda Varela, nephew Gene Varela, and niece Cassandra Ortega.

He is survived by his brothers Porfirio, Roselio, Arturo, Joseph (Ruth), and Marvin (Hope) Varela, and his sisters Connie Ortega, Elsie Martinez, and Mary Frances (Ted) Gallegos, brother-in-law Carlos Ortega, Jr., and Goddaughters Rosella and Vanessa Varela. Gilbert loved his family, both blood-related and those close friends he adopted as family. “Tio Chabet”, a.k.a. “Tio Chickie” loved all his many nieces and nephews, dearly. He loved his three dogs who were by his side when he was called home.

Private services will be held at a later date.

The family of Gilbert Varela has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home. www.devargasfh.com. 505-747-7477