Esther Barela

Esther Lena Carrejo Barela
1928-2018

The third of 13 children born to Henry and Josefa Carrejo, Esther Lena Carrejo Barela entered the world on June 4th, 1928 in Sand Flats, New Mexico, and passed from this earth on October 22, 2018 at the age of 90. She grew up attending school in a one room schoolhouse with many of her siblings. Her first job was at the local hospital in Truth or Consequences where she would help and serve wherever she could. At the time, World War II was in full swing, and it was during this time she met Melquiades Barela while he was home on furlough with the Army. They went dancing at the Buckhorn Bar in T or C, fell in love, and got married the following year on March 3,1946. They settled in Arrey, New Mexico where they farmed the land and began a family before moving to Albuquerque and Norman, Oklahoma. In 1964 they relocated to Farmington and finished raising their boys.

Esther's charity and kind heart was loved by all. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Throughout her life she taught her family the meaning of hard work as she worked cleaning homes, clerking at Woolworth's, McClelland's, Kilroy's, and Western Warehouse where she could fit a pair of jeans just by looking at the customer. Ever the peacemaker, Esther had a servant's heart for the Lord, her family, and her friends. She and Mel served at St. Mary's and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches in Farmington where they provided the Eucharist sacraments to those confined to the hospital, home and the jail. Esther was a member of the Legion of Mary and was often in charge and organized the funeral meals at the church. She and Mel received the New Mexico Catholic family of the year award in 1986. Esther was a prayer warrior and devoted a great deal of her time to prayer at the church and at home for her children and grandchildren. She took great delight spending time with her grandchildren and made great effort to attend every sporting event and school presentation. She became a baseball fan early in life watching her three sons and her many grandchildren play. The Arizona Diamondbacks was 'her' team, and she not only knew the stats of each player, but she also knew who was being traded and whether or not she thought that was a good idea. She had enormous love for her family and thoroughly enjoyed cooking her special enchilada dinner on Monday nights. Her home was open to family and friends anytime, and she often said Mi casa es tu casa.

Esther was preceded in death by her son Melquiades Jr. Little Mel Barela, parents Henry and Josefa Carrejo, sisters Helen Davila, Mary Pacheco, brothers Mike Carrejo, Amby Carrejo, Orlando Carrejo, Ramon Carrejo and A.T. Carrejo. She is survived by her beloved husband of 72 ½ years Mel, sisters Alice Chavez, Dolores Casquario, Nellie Chavez, brothers Charlie (Margie) Carrejo, Adam (Mary Frances) Carrejo, sons Joseph (Vivian) Barela, Albert (Gayle) Barela, Abram (Starla) Barela, 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held at 7pm Friday October 26, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2100 E 20th St, Farmington, NM. Father Chacon will deliver the funeral mass at 11am Saturday October 27, 2018 also at St. Mary's. Esther will be buried at Memory Gardens. A dinner will be held following the gravesite services at St. Mary's Parish Hall where family and friends will have the opportunity to share 'popcorn' testimonies about Esther. Pallbearers are Joseph Barela, Abram (Abe) Barela, Aaron Barela, Michael Barela, Sean Barela, Joel Barela and Sol Rascon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Building Fund at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Esther's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, NM (505) 325-8688.