"Ralph" Rafael B.Garcia

Rafael Bernardino Garcia left this world peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 92. Rafael was born on June 20, 1932, to Bessie Smith and Jose Ignacio Garcia. An Army veteran, and life-long resident of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, he was preceded in death by his kind-hearted, generous, compassionate, and loving wife of 64 years, Marcella Garcia who passed away on April 8, 2020, during covid, which did not allow for a memorial service. Marcella was also a life-long resident of Jemez Springs and worked at the Servants of the Paraclete as a cook for the Priests.

Rafael worked as a heavy equipment operator, an electric linesman, plant foreman at the Los Alamos power generating plant, and gave back to his community by serving as Municipal Court Judge, Jemez Electric Coop Board member and engaging in many other volunteer activities. Rafael and Marcella had a strong faith in God and were lifelong members of Our Lady of Assumption Church.

They are survived by their children Sandra Chavez (husband Edward), Clyde Garcia (wife Rita), Susan Montoya (husband Walter), Lloyd Garcia, Shirley Garcia, and Selena Garcia, 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, their sisters-in-law, Julia Sandoval and Piedad Garcia.

Rafael was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Ida Armenta, Albert Garcia, Jimmy Smith, Bennie Garcia, Alicia Garcia, Elena Jaramillo, Joe Garcia, Ernesto Garcia, Bessie Jaramillo, Bertha Garcia, and Johnny Garcia

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption, Jemez Springs on July 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The church is small, so extended family and friends are invited to go to the Madonna Hall where the mass will be streamed. Interment for Rafael will follow the mass at Our Lady of Assumption cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the services at Madonna Hall, Jemez Springs.