Margaret A. (Naranjo) Barela

Margaret Barela, age 94, a dedicated and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019 after a short illness. Margaret was known for her green thumb. She loved plants and she loved garage sales, and she was our Garage Sale Queen! Margaret loved to help her daughter-in-law and son at their greenhouses and was passionate about her yard at home. She also kept a garage full of “inventory.”

Margaret had five sisters and wonderful brothers-in-law: Maria Portz (George), Leila Catanach (Marcos), Rose Federer (Jim), Louise Fuentes (Felix), Angie Milatzo (Victor) and one brother, Larry Naranjo. There were a total of 27 nieces and nephews and 41 great nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother and father; husbands, Theodore and Jose; her sisters, Maria and Leila; and her beloved grandson, Skyler. She is survived by her three children, Ireyne, Theo and Walter; her grandchildren, Stephanie Duncan (Will Collosky), Wade Duncan, Anthony Will (Kimberly), Haley Barela (Alec Kenerley); great-grandchildren, Oliver Will and Madeleine Duncan-Collosky; and her companion dog, Ava.

Above all, Margaret put family first and lived to host the family for every special event. Special events weren’t limited to holidays, but for every individual family achievement small and large. She even became a LOBO fan to host game gatherings in her home. Margaret worked hard and had several successful businesses; a restaurant, a neighborhood store and a Route 66 motel. Although husband Theodore was her partner in these enterprises, she was the primary manager and also trained her children to help in the family’s businesses. When she was not running a family owned venture, she worked as a server to support her family. Her example showed us that anything is possible if you work hard enough. Retirement didn’t suit her so she continued to work part time until she was 85 taking care of guests for breakfast every morning at the Country Inn. She loved the opportunity to meet and chat with people and she loved the outdoors. In her final days she was looking forward to the warm weather so she could start planting her flower garden.

Mom, we will see you in each new blossom and thank the stars for such a wonderful Mother.

Friends and family may visit Thursday, January 31, 2019, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming. Services will be held Friday, February 1, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Heights SDA Church, 4920 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE.