Jessica V. Barela Feltz

June 28, 1947-September 3, 2020 Our beloved Jessica V. Barela Feltz entered her eternal home in heaven on Thursday, September 3, 2020 with her loved ones by her side. As her health declined due to a terminal illness, she had a dream about her departed grandson Levi where she hugged him and told him how much she missed him, and he told her “Don’t be sad Grandma you will be joining us soon and it will be on a Thursday. At 12:01am on Thursday morning, our dear Lord called our beautiful Jessica home. Jessica was born and raised in Fort Collins. She was the youngest of 10 siblings and she needed quick wit to keep up with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Poudre High School in 1966. After high school she went to Bernal Beauty College and graduated in 1968. She married the love of her life Mike Feltz on May 1, 1971. They had two boys Mikey and Dennis, who she loved with all her heart. She managed her own beauty shop, Jessica’s Hairplace for many years which allowed her to be home with her boys as they were growing up. This also allowed for her to tend to the boys and all their school and sporting activities. She loved her boys, as they were her main priority. A true testament of her love was every hunting season she was right by their side even though she wasn’t fond of hunting. She had to be there to carefully watch and make sure they were all safe. She constantly bragged about how handsome her boys were. Her boys loved her cooking and all of their friends did too. Her vacation snacks, chocolate chip cookies and her famous sunshine cake are legendary as recalled by family and friends Jessica was known for her sense of humor and she was always the life of the party. She was very charismatic and always loved telling a good dirty joke. She had a strong ability to make friends and no one was a stranger when she was around. Jessica was extremely generous, and she had a gift to make others feel so loved. She was the favorite Aunt of the family and she found great joy from getting hugs and kisses from all of her nieces and nephews. When we think about the most joyous times in our lives and some of the saddest and she was always there. She was often the first one to arrive and sometimes the last to leave. She showed up for us and stood by our sides in the good times and bad. Jessica was known for not sugar-coating things and her honesty most of the time was one of her best qualities because we all knew it came from her heart. She was a fighter especially when it came to her family, we always knew she would protect us. She was the first call if anyone in the family needed anything as we knew she would always be willing to help. Jessica has been the rock of the family and has kept us all connected through the years. She was so proud of her family and everyone knew it. She always greeted us with bright eyes, her sweet smile and a “hi honey!” which always made us feel so special and loved. She was sweet, funny and feisty! Jessica always knew how to put a personal touch with gift giving and she had the best taste. She loved to tease and embarrass people. Jessica had strong debating skills and always spoke her opinion. but it was all out of love. If we got mad during one of these teasing sessions, Jessica would tell us “you need to get mad and then get glad.” Little did we know she was preparing us for life. Don’t take things too seriously and we all need to have a sense of humor. Life is too short. She enjoyed traveling with her husband across the United States in their 5th wheel camper, she loved cooking and spending time with family. She enjoyed playing cards and slot machines. She loved watching her boys play sports and hosted so many large family gatherings. Jessica was the best hostess and knew how to throw a fun party. It was always a treat going to her house because we knew good times and lots of laughs were going to be had by all! Everyone was welcomed and made to feel at home. We will always remember the Friday night dinners/rosaries as a family. She was strong in her Catholic faith and it was very admirable. Through her actions and words she emulated her Christian faith. Jessica held tightly to this faith especially during difficult times and this helped keep her optimistic even when challenges presented themselves. Jessica was very proud of being Catholic and she encouraged others to take a look at their own faith. Jessica is survived by her loving husband, Mike Sr., son Dennis (Nicole). Her grandsons Gabrial, Zane, Zakary, Ty and William. Her niece, Jan Barela-Smith (Ty Sr.), who she considered as her daughter. She had many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. They were all her favorites. She was blessed with a compassionate and thoughtful caregiver who is also one of her favorite nieces Mary Castaneda (Tony Rosalez). Her sisters were her first and closest friends: Barbara Gavaldon (Tom) and Judy Solano (Chuck). She loved her brothers Savino Barela (Carmen), John Barela (MariJean) and Bert Barela (Terry). She was preceded in death by her parents Mary and Manuel Barela; son Michael Levi Jr., grandson Levi; her brothers Manuel and Frank; twin sisters Mercella and Percella and great-nephew Remi. A rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Saint Joseph Catholic church. A Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. A reception will be held at Elks Lodge in Fort Collins after the graveside service. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County. Rosary and Mass will also be streamed live online at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTYqQ96sVNl3ED-UZFF0eA or on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/StJosephChurchFC/