Aaron Rael, Sr.

Aaron Rael Sr. 93, born along the banks of the Red River on September 24, 1916, peacefully departed this world on December 20, 2009 just as he came into it; lovingly surrounded by family. The eldest son of Jose Enrique and Adonisa Rael, he spent his early childhood working at his familys sheep camps in the Sangre de Cristos Mountains, homesteading the west side of the Rio Grande, and rounding up wild mustangs by Ute Mountain. Always a true shot he harvested his first deer at age ten. He loved the great outdoors and always admired hard-working people. Aaron was proud of serving his country during World War II, he enlisted in the US Army in 1942. He served with the 7th Infantry Division in the Pacific theatre and saw heavy action in the Aleutians, Philippines, and Solomon Islands and Okinawa. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1945, Aaron worked as a foreman at the molybdenum mine near Questa, and later took over his family business Raels Market that he ran for over forty years. A lifetime resident of Questa, he served as the local historian, and published a chapbook in 2006 highlighting his early years in Questa. Aaron was active in the Questa VFW Post # 7688, SPMDTU, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Cabresto Lake irrigation Co., and the Citizens Ditch Association. He was proud to be an heir of the San Antonio del Rio Colorado Land Grant. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth (Archuleta) Rael, Children: Cynthia Rael-Vigil (Armando Vigil II), Roberta Rael, and Aaron Rael Jr. (Maggie Evans Rael). Grandchildren: Armando Vigil III, Enriquetta Vigil, Esperanza Vigil, Javier Vigil, Lucia Martinez, Moises Rael, and Eleanor Tamaya Rael. Brothers: Richard Rael, Vito Rael, the late Melecio Rael and the late Fred Rael. Sisters are Euralia Torres, Grace Martinez, Tina Padilla, Margaret Cummings and the late Delia Gonzales.

Rosary was recited on December 22, 2009. Funeral mass was held on December 23, 2009. Both services were held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment wash held at the El Pueblito Cemetery in Questa.