Ernest "Ernie" S. Barela

Ernest S. "Ernie"  Barela, age 84, beloved and devoted father and grandfather, was embraced by the Lord Thursday, July 30, 2015 and taken to Eternal Life.  Born on February 21, 1931, he was a lifelong resident of Alameda.  Ernie was giving of himself and his time to all, had an inquisitive mind and a generous heart.  He was the 1951 Albuquerque High School Senior Class President.  He was active in 4-H and was awarded State and National awards; and participated in an Agricultural exchange program in Spain and Spanish Morocco.  Ernie was a local farmer with a popular family fruit stand.  He was employed as supervisor of the Animal Colony at UNM School of Medicine, bailiff for the Municipal Court in Albuquerque, Inspector for the NM Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures; and was Assistant Sergeant of Arms at the State Legislature for 21 years.  His volunteer activities included, Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board; an appointment by the County Commissioner for five years to review child abuse cases; Chairman of the Child Developmental and Headstart Program for ten years; member of the Arts Board for Bernalillo County; on the Board of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy; and was Democratic Party Precinct and Ward Chairman for 50 years.  Ernie was a member and past President of the Alameda Lions Club where he designed the local club banner.  He was a member at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, where he was a counter for 20 years, participated in Church functions, parish council, and usher.  Ernie was a honored citizen of Alameda and the North Valley and will be fondly remembered for all his kindness and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella Gutierrez; parents, Eulogio and Piedad Barela; siblings, Claude, Eulogio, Dolores Martinez, Eloy, Robert, Wilfred and Viola Vigil.  Ernie is survived by his loving children, Carolyn  Bothwell and husband Lon, Yvonne Miklebost and husband John, Evelyn Pettis and husband Darrell, and son, Claude Barela; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three sister-in-laws, Viola Barela, Erlinda Barela, Lena Baca; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear cousin, Tommie Flores.  Ernie will be greatly missed by his loving family and by those whose hearts he touched.  
A special thank you to Rosalina Garcia, longtime friend and companion.  "Thank you Rosie."
Visitation will be Monday, August 3, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.  Service of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. also at the Church.   Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Casket Bearers will be Keith Lowe, Eric Maberry, Gabriel Benavidez, Jerome Benavidez, Joe David Montano and Johnny Baca.

Ernie's care is entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
ALAMEDA  MORTUARY
9420 Fourth St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 898-3160