Aurelio Gurule

Aurelio Gurule, 94, a resident of Rio Lucio, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in his home, the morning of March 29, 2024.

Aurelio is preceded in death by his daughter Elaine Gurule; parents Jose F. and Beatrice Gurule; brothers Dennis Gurule and Nelson Gurule; grandson Christian Gurule; sister-in-law Mary Fernandez.

Aurelio is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizaida Gurule; children, Hazel Pacheco and Luis, Clyde Gurule and Darlene, Karen Portillo and Roger, James Gurule, Joseph Gurule and Denise; grandchildren, Valerie Dominguez (Fil), Louise Etuk (Ben), Frank Pacheco (Manuelita), Deidra Gurule Armijo (Monaco), Kayleen Portillo, Rachele Portillo (Aaron), Isaac Gurule, Mia Duran, Joseph Gurule Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ashley Romero, Miranda Dominguez, Estevan Dominguez, Benny Etuk, Abigail Etuk, Julian Pacheco, Aria Gurule Armijo, Amari Armijo, Aaliyah Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Kaleb Trujillo; sisters, Nora Roybal, Soraida Mascarenas, Betsy Martinez (Obie); brother-in-law Franklin Fernandez, and Alferio Leyba; sister-in-law Ruth Grundhauser (William). 

Aurelio Gurule was born in Rio Lucio on November 11, 1929, to Jose F and Beatrice Gurule. Aurelio was a Korean War Veteran who saw combat with the Army 1^st Armored Division, as an Engineer. Following his military service, Aurelio worked with the Union Pacific Railroad in Evanston, Wyoming. He later resided in Rio Lucio with his family where he provided 21 years of service with the Carson National Forest Service as a Range Technician. During his time with the Carson National Forest, he supervised firefighting crews on wildland fires throughout the Western United States.  He also led trail crews in maintaining trails throughout the Pecos wilderness. After retirement Aurelio enjoyed raising his cattle and working on his ranch. During the summer he would bale hay for the community, keep his fences well maintained, and haul wood in preparation for the winter season.  Aurelio served as a board member for the Rio Lucio Community Water Association and was a longtime mayordomo for the Gurule Acequia in Rio Lucio.  Aurelio was a hard worker and was very creative when problem solving a difficult task on the ranch. He enjoyed the company of family and friends where he shared stories of his life and adventures growing up. 

The family is very thankful for the care that was provided by Eleanor Gurule, Elicia Gonzales, and Teofila Gonzales. The family is also thankful for the services provided by Mountain Home Hospice. 

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