Ruben Anthony Barela

Ruben Anthony Barela  

“DeeDee”  

Sunrise October 11, 1946 — Sunset August 15, 2024  

Ruben Anthony Barela, 77, passed away at his home in Arvada. 

Ruben was born in Trinidad, Colorado, where he spent his childhood years with his cherished grandparents Pedro (Tony) and Ursulita Passarelli. He ultimately settled down in Arvada and started his family after marrying his sweetheart Antoinette.  

Ruben was a devoted husband and father. Many admired him during and beyond his years as a youth football and baseball coach.  He was a skilled metal fabricator and owned his own fabrication business for 19 years in Golden, Colorado. Ruben was a highly praised member of the Golden community and his work was admired by all. Everyone knew him as a hard worker who loved his creations. Hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons were some of the best days of his life. He treasured spending time with his family and would never turn down a trip to “the hill” with his girls. His family was everything to him. Ruben worked hard to provide and share with his entire family.  He loved to make everyone laugh and always had a joke or a story to share. He will always be remembered for his kindness and his humor.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Antoinette Barela, his children, Brian (Sheila) Barela, Lynette (John Smith) Barela, and Erica (John) Maldonado. 

Ruben was deeply loved by his grandchildren, Megan (Matthew) Armenta, Samantha (David) Garduno, Morgan (Jeridan) Chavez, Michael Regan (Victoria), Hannah Barela (Myles), Jonathan Maldonado (Estrella), and by his great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Chavez, Xavian Chavez, Magnolia Garduno, Myles Dolan, Amias Armenta, and Adeline Garduno.  

He was also loved by 5 siblings and numerous nephews and nieces and his beloved four-legged baby Honey.  

He is preceded in death by his parents Ruben and Mary Barela, his sibling, Randy Barela, and his beloved great-grandson, Ezekiel Zachariah Chavez.