Ermelina Rael

Ermelina "Mellie" Chavez Rael

Was born in Cubero, NM. She peacefully passed away on December 29th of 2022 at the age of 96. Mellie lived a full life, filled with immense joy, heart-felt kindness, style and grace, with an open door, to which you never left her home hungry nor, without a personal blessing. She was a loving wife, mother, grand-mother to great-great grandmother. She enjoyed watching her babies at Grants High sporting events, she and her husband were closely involved with local boxing clubs, a dedicated Cowboys and Yankees fan, she enjoyed singing in the Spanish Choir, an avid member of the Cursillo Movement, loved to dominate in a card game of Rummy, and enjoyed playing at the casino. She is survived by her son Fred Rael Sr. and wife Jennie, daughter Angela R. Torrez (and husband Clifford), daughter Julie Rael-Russell (and husband Don), all residing in Grants, NM.



Mellie is preceded in death by husband Pete O. Rael Sr., her son Peter Rael Jr., and daughter Marcy Gonzales.



Mellie is preceded in death by both her parents and siblings. Her parents; Isidro Chavez and Isabel Montano Chavez. Her siblings; Preceliano Chavez, Fred Chavez, Fernandez Chavez, Leopoldo Chavez, Daisy Ortiz, Kate Saavedra, and Dora Marez.



Services will include a Rosary at 10:30AM and mass at 11AM, on Monday January 9th, 2023, being held at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Grants, NM. Following interment, at Grants memorial cemetery. Reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus.



Pallbearers are Fred Rael Jr., Eric Rael, Eric Garcia, Brandon Rael, Marcel Mandagaran, Erick Garcia, Markos Garcia and Nate Porter. Honorary Pallbearers are Clifford Torrez, Don Russell, Dean Baca, Bobby Martinez, Phillip Rael, Adrian Madrid and Adrian Lopez.