Rafelita Lovato Taylor

Rafelita Taylor (née Lovato), a resident of La Jara, NM was called home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2023, just over a month shy of her 93^rd birthday. She was born on September 23, 1930, in San Luis, NM, and moved to La Jara, NM after marrying Robert Lee Taylor, Jr., where she lived and raised her family until her passing. She was preceded in death by parents, Felix and Florinda (née Jaramillo) Lovato; husband, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr.; brothers, Edumenio, Solomon, Melaquias, Amarante, and Alex; her sisters, Josie Valencia, Dolores Olivas, and Sylvia Reed; and daughter Janella Taylor Bernal. She is survived by her sister Reina Miera (Joe) and many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Married to Robert for 73 years, Rafelita and Robert raised 12 children, Walter (Delie) Taylor, Matthew (Kathy) Taylor, Shirley (Serafín) Arellano, Carol (Isaac, deceased) Valdez, Judy (Art) Herrera, Ron Taylor, Joan (Alan Schofield, deceased) Taylor, Jeanette Linville, Jennifer Taylor Carlson, Robert (Kristine) Taylor III, Janella Bernal (deceased), and Jared (Delilah) Taylor.  

Robert and Rafelita have 33 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, all of whom they dearly loved.  

Rafelita married the love of her life, Robert, on April 23, 1949, and immediately set about creating a loving home for raising their children. Welcoming a new child every approximately two years, Rafelita provided a model to her children through her love of God, teaching them Christian values and care for the community. After Robert retired as postmaster of La Jara, Rafelita took on the job with gusto, providing a warm smile for those picking up their mail in the post office attached to their home, sometimes offering coffee and tortillas (with butter) in her kitchen. Her house always seemed to be full of family and friends, and the smell of beans cooking on the stove was a common aroma. An adventurous spirit, Rafelita traveled to Spain, Mexico, and the East Coast of the United States. Music and singing helped her keep hope in her heart throughout her life, including after the passing of her sweetheart Robert, her compañero.

A prayer warrior, Rafelita was also a devoted member of the Catholic Church, serving many years in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Rafelita never knew a stranger, showing love to all those around her. We love you and miss you, Mom (Grandma)! You made the world a better place. May we honor you through our lives.