Rafael “Ralph” Barela 1944 – 2021

Man of God, family man, and hard worker, Rafael “Ralph” Barela passed away at the age of 77. He was 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 Sept. 12, 1944 in Tajique, to Pedro and Emilia (Chavez) Barela. He married Domie, the love of his life, on Sept. 26, 1964. They made their home in Estancia, where they raised their children, Ted, John and Dina. Ralph was a member of the N.M. 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 was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rosendo Barela Sr. and wife Carmen, and Pete Barela Jr.; sister, Lena Barela; and brothers-in-law, Albert Chavez and Emil Montoya. Ralph is survived by his wife, Domie Barela; sons Theodore “Ted” Barela (and Janice) and John Barela (and Josephine); daughter, Dina Moore (and Jayson); grandchildren, Jonathan Barela (and Michelle),

Alyssa Shanley (and Justin), Christopher Barela, Sharalynn Lucero (and Eric), Rachelle Barela (and Michael), John “Tyler” Moore and Jaydin Moore; greatgrandkids, Quintin Barela, Abigail Barela, Justin “JC” Shanley, Hattie Barela, Gracelynn Shanley, Zander Shanley and Zaylor Corrs; and sisters, Alice Trujillo (and Jesus), Barbara Chavez and Corine Montoya. A public celebration of Ralph’s life will be held for family and friends Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. at Citizen Church in Albuquerque. 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 will be 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.