Robert "Bobby" Rael

Robert “Bobby” Rael passed away in White Rock, NM on Monday, April 13th at the age of 88. A longtime resident of Silver City, Bobby was a lifelong New Mexican and proud steward of the land he loved.

Born on July 28, 1937 in Horse Springs, New Mexico to Martin and Precila Rael, his humble beginnings instilled in him a sense of resilience and quiet strength. Determined from the start, he began attending school early after insisting on tagging along with his older brother, Danny. The second of ten siblings, he spent his days fishing creeks with homemade poles, and helping ranch the land his father had homesteaded. He had many stories from those years that he would share with those lucky enough to hear them.

Hardworking and smart, Bobby was an accomplished athlete and graduated at the top of his Reserve High School class at just 16 years old. He briefly worked for the highway department and took classes at NMSU, all while starting a family and beginning what would become a 65-year marriage to his beloved wife, Rosalie. Bobby went on to a long and respected career with the U.S. Forest Service, helping shape the very landscapes he valued. Bobby was a dedicated member of the Moose Lodge and the Elks Lodge and was also devoted to the Catholic church.

Above all, Bobby was a provider. He built a stable home from modest beginnings, creating opportunities for his children that he himself had not known. He was incredibly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and would do anything for them. He loved hunting with family and spending time at his ranch and was also content watching sports at home with his favorite snacks of chicharrónes, piñon, and filled donuts. In his later years, he cared for Rosalie until her passing in 2024.

Bobby will be remembered as a strong, steady presence, a man of principle and enduring love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the generations he raised and the lives he shaped.

Bobby is survived by two children, Rosalyn Rael (Alex Janevski) of White Rock, NM, and Robert Rael Jr. (Antoinette) of Albuquerque, NM; one sister, Linda Romero (Harry) of Reserve, NM, one brother, Pablo Rael of T or C, NM, and sisters-in-law Clorinda Rael, Irene Rael, and Genevieve Rael. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Elia Rael, Alexandria Salisbury, Patrick Rael, Malcolm Janevski, and Tami Armijo, as well as 5 great grandchildren, Ike, Raeleigh, David, DeMarcus, and Devin, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie Rael, two children, Lorissa Zucker and Patrick Rael; three brothers, Eduardo Rael, Martin Rael, and Danny Rael and four sisters, Carmel Romero, Betty Flores, Lucy Fowler, and Lourdes "Vicki" Rael.

There will be a Rosary on May 2 at 10:30am and Funeral Mass at 11:00am at Santo Niño Catholic Church in Aragon, NM, followed by interment at the Aragon Cemetery, and then a reception will follow at the Reserve High School Ellis Gym. We will also have a Celebration of Life event in Silver City at the Moose Lodge on May 24th at 1pm. All who knew him are welcome.