Jose Richard Rael, of Questa, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 after a brief illness. Jose Richard Rael proudly served his country as a Korean War Veteran. He was a retired miner, rancher, and barber. On his spare time he managed the Sunday night Bingo at the Questa VFW for 30 years. Despite being faced with adversity throughout his life he moved forward and remained a man rooted in his faith and lived a humble life filled with kindness and generosity. He was greatly cherished and loved by his wife, children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughters, Valerie Rael and Geralyn Rael, first wife, Angie Sanchez Rael, parents, Jose Enrique Rael, Adonisa Gomez Rael, brothers, Aaron Rael, Melecio Rael, Fredolin Rael, Vito Rael and Juanito Rael, sisters, Euralia Rael Torres and Delia Rael Gonzales. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Olivia Rael, sons, Col. Jose Richard Rael, James Kelly Rael and daughter, Annette Rael Ortega (Michael), grandchildren, Jeremy Ortega, Mikayla Ortega Elijah Ortega, Angela Rael, Rachel Rael and Melecio Rael, sisters, Ernestina Rael Padilla, Grace Rael Martinez and Margaret Rael Cummings (Leo), sister in law, Eloisa Rael and brother in law, Felimon Rael and numerous nephews and nieces.
Rosary was recited on Sunday December 3, 2017 at 6:00 PM at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 10 AM at St Anthony’s Catholic Church with internment to follow at El Pueblito Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be followed with a meal at the Questa VFW.