Rafael Arias

A funeral service is scheduled for 12 pm, Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel for Rafael M. Arias, 84, who passed Sunday, May 15, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Deacon Ernesto Martinez of St. John's Catholic Church will be conducting the services. Visitation will be held from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday, May 20, 2016 at Ballard Funeral Home and also from 9 to 11 am, Saturday, May 21, 2016.

Rafael was born October 14, 1931 in Vinton, TX to Jose A. Arias and Conception Marquez Arias who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother Ernesto and sister Carmen.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years Betty Arias of the family home; his daughter Christina Little, her children Stephanie Alley, Christy Little, Frank Little, Matthew Little and his wife Moni all of Roswell; his son Ralph Arias of California, his children Reymon of Roswell, Rachelle of California, Robert of Florida and Elizabeth of California; son Albert Arias and his wife Carol and children Zac of Roswell, Zane of Socorro and Zoie of Roswell; son Alfred Arias of Espanola; son Adrian Arias of Roswell , his daughter Angela Renneke and husband Richard of Los Alamos; eleven grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers John, Alfred and Eliseo and sister Josephine.

Rafael enjoyed hunting, camping, traveling and spending time with his family. He was employed by Herring Distributing for over 45 years.

Serving as pallbearers are his children and honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove
To us He only takes the BEST."

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, May 20, 2016
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, May 21, 2016
9:00 to 11:00 am

Service

Funeral Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, May 21, 2016
12:00 pm

Cemetery

Ballard Crematory
910 S. Main Street
Roswell, NM  88203