Ralphie Barela

Ralphie Adelido Barela, 69 a resident of Velarde, NM, born on March 14, 1955, passed away on September 9, 2024. 

Ralphie was preceded in death by his mother Lillian Barela, father Serafin Barela, stepmother who raised him Adelina Barela, his brothers Yancy Barela, Michael Barela, Eustacio (Tommy) Padilla and his favorite Uncle Larry Herrera (La Pajara).

Ralphie is survived by his brother and best friend Johnny Barela (Gina), brothers, Leo Padilla (Berlin), Felix Padilla (Katie), sisters, Myra Barela, Mae Torrez, Rosie Herrera (Toby), Viola Thomas (Denver), Mary Madrid, Uncle Eloy Barela (Edulia), best friend Norman Gurule, childhood/longtime friend Rudy Romero, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his fur babies Orejona and Catalina.

Ralphie retired from the Espanola Public Schools where he met many people. Ralphie was a jokester just like his father. He was so full of love and laughter. Ralphie had such a distinct laugh, you would know when he was near. Ralphie was a devoted, son, brother, uncle, and friend with a big heart who loved many and many loved him. Ralphie will be missed by a lot of people.

A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:00 am in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory in Espanola, NM.

Serving as Pallbearers are: April Olivas, Lillian Grant, Ysrael Montoya, Adrianna Delvo, Jonathan Barela, and Kristen Baca.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Shawn Barela, Darren Delvo, and Alisha Martinez.

The family wishes to give sincere thanks and appreciation to the Espanola Presbyterian Emergency room staff and UNM Trauma ICU staff for the care they provided to our dearest Ralphie Barela.

The family of Ralphie Barela has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477