We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our mother, Rita J. Rael on Dec. 10, 2022. She was a lifelong resident of Questa and in her later years lived in Las Vegas, NV, and recently in Ranchos De Taos, N.M.

Rita is preceded in death by her mother and father Alejandro and Felicita (Feliz) Gonzales, her brothers, Alex (Norma) Gonzales, Maurice (Velva Gonzales), and Ricky Gonzales, her sister Lydia (Johnny) Aguirre, grandson, Dyllon Lofink, and niece Annette Selph.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorrie (Joseph) Gutierrez, Valerie (Eric) Anderson, Yvonne (Michael) Carmichael, Jeri Lynn (Aaron) Lofink, and Rita Ann Rael, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

When she was raising us, she loved to plant a garden and flower beds year after year. Buying flowers and plants at every opportunity. She felt as these quotes say: “Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers.

Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul” – Luther Burbank, and “In joy and in sadness flowers are our constant friends” – unknown.

No memorial services will be held at this time; however we would like to thank those who have reached out to us and express their condolences, love and concern. Proverbs 17:17 “A true friend shows love at all times, and is a brother born for times of distress.” Also, we are grateful to Elizardo Flores and Joseph Macfarlane (Rita Ann) for the help in taking care of our mother. The family of Rita J. Rael has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.