Susie Barela

Susie Barela, (92), a lifelong resident of Truchas, NM.  Born on November 9, 1931, and passed away on November 17, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents Isidoro and Leonardita Barela; siblings Fedencia Cordova, Gilbert (Julia) Barela, and Hope (Donald) Lopez.  Close nieces and nephews Sarah, Medardo, Irma Cordova and Dino Fernandez.

She is survived by her great-nephew whom she raised as her son, Louie Sandoval and wife Valerie.  Her baby ones, Ryan Sandoval (Angelique), Grace Sandoval, Christianne Sandoval, Caleb Sandoval, Mariah (Marcos) Vigil and Danny Fernandez, Adrian, Julian, Damian, Emma, Haizley and Aryanna.  Close nieces and nephews; Cecelia (Sam) Gonzales, Sammy Cordova, Kathey Romero, Ross Cordova (Tenisha), Susan Abeyta (Benito), Carol (Robert) Duran, Bobby (Carol) Cordova, Janice, Isabel Barela, Grace Duran, Donny, Leonard (Veronica) Lopez, Sandra (Alfredo) Abeyta. A close friend Cruzita Romero. Special cousins; Lena Salazar, Eloida Benton, Walter Sandoval (Deena), Arturo and Conchita Barela and many great-nieces, great-nephews, many close family and friends.

Susie was a very supportive daughter to her mother, when her father passed away at a very young age.  Susie worked hard to help support her mother and siblings.  She worked as a teacher’s aid at the Truchas Mission.

In the 80’s, Susie and her mother were part of the movie ”Milagro Beanfield War”.  Susie became friends with Robert Redford and would make him lunch.  Susie was extremely proud that her home was also featured in the movie.

Services will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, with a visitation at 6:00 pm and a Memorial Service at 7:00 pm at the DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM.  Funeral will be on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Truchas Baptist Church at 1:00 pm and the burial to follow at the Llanitos Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ross Cordova, Walter, Ryan, Rayben,  Gilbert Sandoval and Archie Trujillo.

The family of Susie Barela extends their heartfelt gratitude to Kathey Romero, Sandra Abeyta, Grace Sandoval, Christianne Sandoval,  Rayben Sandoval, Betty Lopez and Pablita Barela for their loving care of Susie   Also to Presbyterian Hospice nurse Lillianna Montoya and the staff at DeVargas Funeral Home.

The family of Susie 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