Esther Ruth Barela

Esther Ruth Barela passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM. Esther was born on April 6, 1949 in Clovis, NM to Adan and Francisca (Ulibarri) Baca. Esther was raised in Santa Rosa, NM where she graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1967. She was married to Jimmy Barela on August 26, 1967 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Clovis, NM. Esther was a receptionist for GEO in Santa Rosa for 17 years. She was also a faithful parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Some of her hobbies included reading, solving crossword puzzles and going to the casinos—however, her greatest joy came from the time she spent with her family. Esther is preceded in death by her parents, her brother; Adan Baca, Jr. and her sisters; Marcy Hollinger and Mary Lou Baca. Esther is survived by her husband of 53 years; Jimmy and her children; James, Veronica (Johnny Ray), Pamela (David) and Lorenzo, her grandchildren; Joseph (Avali), Tamara, Anthony (Stephanie), Heather (Chris), Jasmyne (Brandon), Orlando, Alex (Emma), Mickaela, Alyssa, Joslynn and Josiah, her great-grandchildren; Judau Silva, Alayna Lopez, Aila Silva and Justus Sanchez, as well as many relatives and friends. Holy Rosary was recited at 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at St. Rose of Lima with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Interment followed at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa with Joseph Silva, Anthony Silva, Orlando Lopez, Alex Lopez, Wayne Martinez and Lee Harrison serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Johnny Ray Salazar, James Barela, Jr., Lorenzo Barela, David Lopez, Josiah Barela, Arthur Flores and Anthony Gonzales. We kindly ask that you keep Esther and her family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, a favorite memory, or sign the online guestbook. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.