Maria Elena Rodela (Nena)

Maria Elena Rodela (Nena) 46, a resident of Ensenada, NM was born on August 9, 1977, to Steve and Loyda Rodela. Nena passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2024. 

Maria Elena is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Paulino and Margaret Archuleta, paternal grandmother Eduvigen Rodela, uncles Leroy, Felix, and Juan Archuleta, Mike Kelly, Bob Overmier, Bob VanRaden, aunts Lorraine Pacheco, Ruby Archuleta, Mary Overmier, and Isabelle VanRaden.

Nena is survived by her children Kendrick and Kennedi, her parents Steve and Loyda, brother Antonio, niece Tonie, uncles Bobby, Luis( Nena), Ernesto, Tony, Pablo, Richard, Gilbert(Jenneifer) Archuleta, great uncle Mike Archuleta, Carlos (Sandy) Romero, Phil (Beatrice) Rodela, Peter Rodela, aunts Irma (Greg ) Valdez, Terry (Joseph) Martinez, Pinky (Gabe) Jacquez, Shirley, Arlene Archuleta, Alyce Kelly, great aunt Shirley Archuleta, Julia Casados, Godson Miguel Archuleta, and dear friends Ken Olsen (Marissa) (Kyle), Michael Sandoval, and many friends and family. 

Maria Elena lived her life to the fullest. She was an amazing kindhearted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors going for wood, fishing, sledding, picking pinon, and listening to country music. Nena loved her family dearly and was always willing to offer help to anyone that needed it. Maria Elena did not know a stranger. Nena will be remembered for her big heart and laughter by all the lives she touched. She was always hard working and dedicated to her family. Nena had a friendly personality and met many people over the years of her employment. 

She was currently employed by the State of New Mexico Health Department. She had previous jobs at the State of New Mexico Educators Retirement, Rio Arriba County Clerk’s Office as the Deputy Clerk, Secretary of State, Cumbres and Toltec Railroad, and Visitor Center in Chama.  

Maria Elena made friends wherever she went and will truly be missed by her friends and family. 

We would like to thank Pastor Jimmy Martinez of The Chama Community Church for his services. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 2, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of Devargas Funeral home. Burial to follow at Cebolla Community Cemetery, Cebolla, NM

Thanks to the staff of the Devargas Funeral Home. 

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