Rafaelita "Lela" Lopez

Rafaelita Lopez (Lela) 86 yrs. old went to her eternal rest on April 29, 2020 after battling Alzheimer's for several years. Lela was born in Alcalde, N.M. on July 4, 1933 to Narciso and Rosana Herrera (deceased). She was preceded in death by her husband Joe H. Lopez, her brother Basilio Herrera, sisters Beatrice Herrera and Lupita Trujillo, daughter-in-law Darlene Lopez and two grandchildren Jessie Colombe and Andrew Gomez. Lela is survived by her Son Richard Lopez, Alcalde, daughters Darlene Colombe (Daniel), Rio Rancho, Martha Gomez (Andy) Alcalde. One sister Diana Manzanares (Salomon) Medanales. Also surviving her are five grandchildren, Daniel and Paul Colombe, Leann Gomez, Francine Montoya, and Christopher Lopez. Great grandchildren, Joseph, Paul, Michael, Matthew, Lucas, Isaiah, Jesse Colombe, Destiny Colombe, Rosalie and Anna Montoya, Brandyn and Braydyn Gomez, Jeremiah Murray, Jamie and Sofia Lopez, Amberly and Ambrose Velasquez. Three great, great, grandchildren, Santiago, Jesslyn and Milani Colombe. Two sisters in law Sylvia Cordova and Lydia Lopez and one brother in law Pat Lopez, and many nieces and nephews. Lela was a very humble, giving, and happy loving person and loved her family dearly. Lela's favorite pass time activities were going to Walmart, having lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken and eating out in general. She also enjoyed attending native celebrations and eating at the Casinos with her son Richard. She also enjoyed going to her sister's house in Tierra Azul to roast Chile in the horno. Lela was a fantastic cook and loved having all her family over for a good meal especially on Holidays. Lela continued her mother Rosana's tradition for the feeding and celebration on 27th of December. She worked as a housekeeper for over 40 years for several families in Los Alamos. She grew to love many of those she met while working for them. Special thanks to her son Richard Lopez who took special care of her at his home until her final departure to Heaven. Funeral services will be held at a later date with burial at the national cemetery with her grandchildren and great grandchildren serving as pallbearers. Special thanks to Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe for their professional and comforting help. Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals of: Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe 3232 Cerrillos Road (505) 395-9150