Jesus "Joe" Barela

in Sun City West, AZ.

After 30 years, Joe has been reunited with his loving wife, Betty, in the Kingdom of our Lord. Born to Patricio and Juana Barela on May 28, 1937 in Lordsburg, NM, Joe was one of 5 children. He is survived by his sisters Ramona Baisa and Nelly Drew; 6 children, Joe, Clara Eisenman (David), Martha Tilley (Herb), Susan McGloin (Greg Fasula), Elizabeth, and Ernie; 8 grandchildren, Aaron McGloin, Christopher McGloin (Amanda), Ann Bakemeier (Luca), Jacob Tilley, Nicholas Tilley, Lauren Eisenman, Jenna Eisenman, and Nicole Barela; 4 great-grandchildren, Jordyn McGloin, Landon McGloin, Claire Bakemeier, and Carson Bakemeier.

Growing up in Hachita, NM, Joe left to attend college and play basketball until joining the United States Air Force. Upon his return he married his beautiful wife Betty Drew. Following their New Year’s Eve wedding they moved to California and had 6 children. There Joe worked in the electronic industry where his claim to fame was the assembly of electronics for the Country Bear Jamboree at Disneyland. To be closer to family, the Barela’s moved to Arizona in the summer of 1977. Following his retirement, Joe dedicated 10 more years to volunteering at the VA Hospital in Phoenix, something he truly enjoyed.

Joe was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church where he was an Usher and volunteer for many years. He was a simple, incredibly kind and humble man who loved his local coffee shops and was loved by so many. He was an avid follower of Lordsburg and local high school sports where his children and grandchildren attended, although, his favorite by far was ‘his’ LA Dodgers.

Joe’s kind spirit and presence will be greatly missed by all. Family was always the most important thing in his life. Done simply, Joe did everything in his power to ensure all of his family knew how much he loved them and how valuable and precious they were. Betty and Joe have truly left a legacy of love that will be passed from generation to generation.

“Do small things with great love” -Mother Teresa

A Viewing and Rosary will be held from 6:00-9:00pm on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary 7924 N 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301. Directly next door to one of his favorite coffee and breakfast shops, Parsons. Rosary at 7:00pm. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, March 2, 2018 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10815 N. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85029. Interment will be at 1:00pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85024.