Andrew "Critter" Garcia Sr., and LeeAnn Barela-Garcia

Antonito resident Andrew James Garcia Sr. "Critter", 58, went home to be with the Lord on December 26, 2021, after he succumbed to COVID-19. He was welcomed into the world on December 5, 1963 in Ortiz, Colorado, the son of Stanley Garcia and Lucy Lucero. After graduating from Antonito High School in 1982,

He went on to meet and marry the love of his life LeeAnn Barela. They shared a loving union for almost 36 years until his passing. Critter was a kind and outgoing person who loved going for rides in the mountains, ranching and being with his children and grandchildren.

Critter also enjoyed roping and hunting. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, San Antonio Livestock Association, and was a first responder.

Survivors include his wife LeeAnn Garcia of Antonito, CO; daughter Ashley Garcia (Domonick Casillas) of Antonito, CO; son Andrew Garcia (Jessica Chavez)of Antonito, CO; grandchildren Aubrieanna Lopez, Issabella Garcia, Elijah Garcia, Noah Chavez, Rayden Casillas, Ezekiel Casillas, Eunice Casillas, Micaela Casillas, Goddaughter Laycee Maez, best friends Gerald Salazar, Michael Archuleta, his riding partner and side kick Lexie Maez; sisters Catherine Garcia of Antonito, CO; Rosemary (Alan) Avila of Sanford, CO. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Critter was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Lucy Garcia, grandparents Bersabe Lucero, Jose Simon Lucero, Jesus Maria Garcia and Sofia Garcia and one grandson Nicholas Garcia.

 

Longtime Antonito resident LeeAnn P. Barela-Garcia, 51, passed away peacefully and was reunited with the love of her life

Andrew "Critter" Garcia on August 5, 2022. LeeAnn was born on December 20, 1970, the beloved daughter of Robert Barela and Theresa Gonzales Barela. Everyone who knew her, will always remember her for her extremely loving and compassionate nature. She was always one who would help anyone in need. LeeAnn loved to have her jack and cokes while she socialized. She was outgoing and loved to be around people. When she had free time she enjoyed going gambling, horseback riding, shopping, camping, and absolutely loved being outdoors in the mountains. She also enjoyed going for drives and spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends.

LeeAnn was preceded in death by her father Robert Barela, loving husband Andrew "Critter" Garcia Sr., and one grandson Nicholas Garcia.

Her memory and legacy will live on through her children Ashley Garcia (Dominic Casillas) of Antonito, CO; Andrew Garcia Jr. (Jessica Chavez)of Alamosa, CO; mother Theresa Barela of Antonito, CO; grandchildren Aubrieanna Lopez, Issabella Garcia, Elijah Garcia, Noah Gallegos-Chavez, Rayden Casillas, Ezekiel Casillas, Eunice Casillas, Micaela Casillas, siblings James Barela, Bea Barela both of Antonito, CO; Brenda Ramirez of Alamosa, CO; Roselie Schlaufman-Martinez (Gabe Martinez Sr.) of Manassa, CO; Roberta Barela of Ortiz, CO. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends.

LeeAnn and her husband Andrew "Critter" Garcia Sr., will have joint services. A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM also at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. LeeAnn will be cremated after services and family will have a committal of ashes for both Critter and LeeAnn at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. Dress in your Western attire to honor Critter and LeeAnn.  The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.