Rose Lila Rael Ward passed away peacefully on Sunday morning April 19, 2026, at the young age of 97. Rose was a bright light in her family and community. She will be missed. Rose was born on December 14, 1928 in Waterville, Colorado to Anistacio Rael and Andrea Martinez Rael. Rose lovingly and joking that she was born in box car. She was proud of her railroad community.
Rose was united in marriage to Thomas Crawford Ward on 20th of December 1952 in Raton New Mexico. Their union brought four children Tom Ward Jr, Jean Ward Brazeal, Alberta Ward and Jackie Ward Mock. Rose was a proud and loving grandma to 10 grand Children, 26 great grandchildren and 12 great, great grandchildren. Rose and Tom were foster parents to many. She was Auntie Rosie to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews who she loved and adored.
Rose was a member of the Branson Trinchera home demonstration, Branson Trinchera Craft Club, was a member of the Guadalupe Society, and the Branson Trinchera Hiking Club, where she loved to climb the hills. Rose loved to cook and she wouldn’t let you leave without giving you something to (ice cream) eat. At Christmas time her house was filled with dozens and dozens of tamales, empanadas and fudge.
Her thirty-day friendship cake was a favorite of hers because she would give them away and sometimes to complete strangers. Throughout the years the youngsters of her community brought her great joy. Rose has been referred to as a pistol and spicy, but her favorite was a heart of gold because she would give you the shirt off her back. Roses faith defined her, because her favorite saying was that God said to Love your neighbor. Rose is preceded in death by her parents Anistacio and Andrea Rael, husband Tom Ward, Daughter Jean Brazeal, Son-in-law Don Brazeal, sisters Anita Rael, Eva and JoeCordova, Helen (Bert) Wratislaw, Brothers Ernest (Phillis) Rael, Hilda (Roseabell) Rael.
Rose is survived by her children and grandchildren who adored and loved her. Sons, Tom (Rose) Ward Jr, Marty and Jean Velasquez , Daughters, Alberta (Erwin) Morton, Jackie (Charles) Mock. 10 Grandchildren Billy and Sarah Brazeal, Melissa and Susanne Brazeal, Amanda Segeal, Nathan and Amy Ward, Dillion and Andrea Brazeal, Wyatt and Chelsea Mock, Tamara Morton, Chantel and RJ Rivale, Stevie Mock, Cole and Noelle Mock, Mariah and Jesse Boster. 26 great grandchildren,12 great, great grandchildren. As well as special friend BB Cornay.
Active Pallbearers: Nathan Ward, Melissa Brazeal, Dillion Brazeal, Wyatt Mock, Stevie Mock, and Cole Mock.
Services are May 1st Holy Trinity Catholic Church Trinidad Colorado.12:30 Rosary, Mass immediately after Rosary. Private Family burial at the Branson Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Father Tim. Dr. Borsa and her incredible compassionate team at Mt Rose Hospice Joni, Amber, and Kortney. Tom Murphy for the professional care you have given us.
Thomas Murphy
Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home
335 East Main Street, Trinidad, Colorado
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