Marijean Barela was welcomed into the arms of God and her heavenly family on Saturday, March 11, 2023 in Loveland, Colorado.
Marijean was born to Arden and Rosebelle Smith on October 22, 1945, in Sterling, Colorado. She was raised on a farm with five sisters in the Kelly community which included a small country school and church.
Marijean was the social butterfly and entertainer of her younger sisters. She graduated from Sterling High School and later Bernel Hair Styling College in Fort Collins. Marijean was a Cosmetologist by trade and the owner of the Cameo in Fort Collins and High Country Hair Care in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, for over 40 years.
Marijean met the love of her life John "Mutt" on a blind date set up by Mutt's sister. They were married in 1969 and thus began their fairy tale life together. She devoted her life to him, and Mutt devoted his life to her and together they raised a family with two sons.
They moved to their dream location in the mountains in 1988. She loved every minute of the landscape, wildlife, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
She is preceded in death by her parents Arden and Rosabelle Smith, grandchild Crystal Barela, and two sisters Dorothy Huffman and Barbara Sobott.
Marijean is survived by her husband Mutt and her two sons: James (Linda) Barela and Amadeo "Little Mutt" (Jennifer) Barela along with five grandchildren: James Jr. (Breanna) Barela, Natalie (Markus) Barela-McIntosh, Zephaniah Barela, Rachel Barela, and Elijah Barela and her five great-grandchildren: Alejandro Barela, Bailee Barela, Calypso Barela, Nakye Barela, and NaiLah Barela. She is also survived by her sisters: Margaret Huntley, JoEllen (John) Emarine, and Ardith (Syd) White, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Marijean was an unbelievable wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was one of the best blessings in those lives around her, and she will be missed endlessly.
A service of celebration and remembrance will commence on Friday, March 17th, at 9:30 am, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins: 300 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins. Please join her loved ones for a luncheon after the internment back at Saint Joseph's at noon. The viewing will be held Thursday, March 16th, at Bohlender Funeral Chapel from 12:00-4:00 pm: 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins. This will be followed by the Rosary at Saint Joseph's at 5:30 pm.