Catherine Barela was welcomed into this world on October 2, 1949.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Erlinda Barela, of Denver, Colorado; and her husband of 56 years, Louis Randolph, of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters, Patricia Miera and Judith Barela-Payne; and her brothers, Frank Barela, Joseph Barela and Robert Barela, Jr., all of Denver, Colorado.

Cathy attended St. Cajetan's Catholic School and West High School in Denver, Colorado.  She left Denver at 14 years of age to attend the Job Corp in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and graduated from Kansas City Business School.

Cathy worked as a Preschool Teacher, and a Probation and Parole Officer.  She also worked at Safeway Corporation, Yellow Freight, and Black & Veatch in accounting.

She retired from Black & Veatch at the age of 63.

To know Cathy was to love her. To know her, you knew of the fierce love she had for her family. With her quick wit, her snappy comebacks, and her awesome sense of humor, how could you not love her?  She welcomed all that came into her home, family, friends, or newcomers. It didn't matter. She adopted many young people in their time of need.  All were welcome to visit, stay for a while, or have a home-cooked meal.  She would be there to listen, give advice, or even provide some Soul food or authentic Mexican food! Who do you know that can master both? The woman could cook!!

Mama loved when we would take our trips back to her hometown of Denver to see all of our crazy Barela family. She loved fishing, venturing in the lakes of Missouri or the vast mountains of Colorado. Some of her extensive passions included crochet, indulging in crime drama, or testing her luck in casinos, in both Colorado and the riverboats in Missouri. Win or lose, she would have a blast. Watching Mama enjoy herself was a total blessing beyond imagination. Her smile could radiate joy for miles.

Cathy was not known to hold her tongue, that's for sure! She was firm but fair with everyone. You always knew where you stood with her. Even through her condemnation, she placed the discrepancy in the good hands of the Lord.

She accepted Christ at a young age.  She was baptized and later attended catechism in preparation of her 1st communion and confirmation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado.

Cathy gained her angel wings on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

To cherish her memories, she leaves behind her loving family, two children, DeAnna Barela and Louis Barela; three grandchildren, LeiLani Barela, Sadii Barela and Vincenzo Vi Barela-Randolph (BJ); and one great-grandson, Casian Barela, all of Gladstone, Missouri; two loving sisters, Sandra Ruybalid and Barbara Barela, of Denver, Colorado; and a host of family and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.