Lucy Barela

Luz “Lucy” Leaton Barela went to see her maker on Friday, December 9, 2016. Lucy, 73, was born in Roswell, New Mexico, on December 31, 1942, to Juanita Leaton. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Desiderio “Joe” Apodaca. She was a life-long resident of Roswell. Lucy married the love of her life, Cruz Barela, in 1959, and was married for 57 years at the time of his passing, in August 2016. Lucy is survived by her children: Debbie Escobar and her husband, Daniel of Bakersfield, California, Cruz Barela Jr. of Bakersfield, California, Greg Barela and wife, Kelly of Roswell, and Corina Gonzales of Roswell. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian Escobar, Kristian Chavira, Danielle Escobar, Stephen Barela, Brianna Barela, Arielle Gonzales, Mikaela Barela, Rayven Gonzales: and her great-grandchildren: Jose Jr., Amari, Thiago and Alonzo Chavira. Lucy loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lucy is survived by her bother, Ernesto De Los Santos and wife, Mary of Roswell, and her sister, Ernestina Candelaria and husband, Edward Sr. of Roswell. Lucy wanted to give a special goodbye to Connie Sedillo, her niece and best friend, and her lunch buddies: Corinne, Priscilla, and Ramona. Lucy was a teacher’s assistant with the Roswell Independent School District for over 28 years. She loved working with children, and in her time teaching she was able to mold hundreds of young minds. Upon retirement, she decided she could not stray far from working with children, and worked another 14 years in the after-school program. She was a very loving person and the one many turned to in times of trouble and when guidance was needed. Lucy was strong-willed and fought up until the end. She was loved by all who knew her. She was known for her sense of humor, quick wit, and the pranks she played on her friends. With Lucy around, there was never a dull moment. Preceeding her in death are her husband, Cruz Barela, mother and step-father, Juanita and Joe Apodaca, sister Delia Urquides, brother, Oswaldo Navarette, nephew, Fernando Urquides, and daughter-in-law, Tonya Kay Barela. Viewing will be at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home Chapel, December 14, 2016, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM with Funeral Service following immediately after viewing at 1:00 PM. Burial services will follow at South Park Cementary. Footprints in the Sand: One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand when I needed you most, you would leave me.” The Lord replied, “My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” -Author Unknown Lucy will be missed by all who knew her. Those who were lucky enough to have known her, knew what an amazing and loving person she was.

Lucy Barela

December 31, 1942 - December 9, 2016