Tillie Barela was born June 22, 1926 to Guadalupe and Valentine Marino. She married the love of her life, Benjamin, on November 15, 1946. Moving to flagstaff from Las Vegas, New Mexico, the dedicated themselves to the church and community. Opening their hearts and their home, the welcomed two children: daughter Judy and son Lawrence.
Tillie and Benjamin belonged to St. Pius bereavement committee. Many years ago she belonged to the Guadalupanas. She was also a Cursillista. She loved working kitchen duty. If there was someone in need, Tillie was always there to lend a hand. She took pride in being a homemaker. The Barela home was filled with lots of love and laughter and delicious cooking, especially her tortillas and sopapillas. She especially enjoyed passing her talent for cooking onto others.
As a great storyteller, she imparted her memories, experiences and wisdom to all who would listen. Tillie was a surrogate grandmother – abuelita – to many who loved her. According to Perla and Abiu Chairez "She was the best grandma, she was nice, sweet and loveable."
ON June 5, 2016, surrounded by family and friend, she went to be with the Lord and her beloved Benny. She will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lupe and Valentine; her husband; Benjamin, son-in-law Enrique; siblings Dulcinea, George, Elizardo, Eddie, Gilbert, and Benny. She is survived by her son Lawrence (Lynn), daughter Judy, step grandsons Eric and Chris (Leona), sister Elise (Hermanis), aunt Josie and many nieces and nephews.
Holy Rosary will take place Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 11:00 am, followed by funeral mass at 12:00 noon, both at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, 1600 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.