Rafaelita Espinosa, a beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, entered into eternal rest on July 7, 2026, at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 29, 1940, in Tajique, New Mexico.

Rafaelita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clyde A. Espinosa; her parents, Domingo and Adelita Barela; her brothers, Ray, Onofre, Jeff, Domingo Jr., and Victor Barela; and her sister, Prescilla Garcia.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Espinosa and his wife, Lisa, and Jessica Romero; her stepdaughters, Betty Chapman and Cathy Navin; her stepson, Clyde Peters; her eight grandchildren, Selena, Sarah, Isaac, Ricky, Naiyah, Luciano, Katalina, and Emilio; her two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Nikola; her brothers, Felix, Gilbert, and James Barela; her sisters, Sally Chavez, Nellie Candelaria, Viola Johnson, Romelia Knoell, JoAnn Romero, and Yolanda Ballejos; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dominic Barela, Guillermo Espinosa, Jonathan Knoell, Kenny McGowen and Aaron Barela

Services will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Home, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Rafaelita will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery alongside her beloved husband, Clyde Espinosa, at a later date.

Rafaelita will be remembered for her love, kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and her faith. Her gentle spirit, warm heart, and enduring love will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Daniels Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.