Graciela R. Barajas, age 78, of Portage passed away June 27, 2023. She was born on June 9, 1945, in Rincon de Tamayo, Guanajuato, Mexico to the late Alfonso and Nieves Canchola. On November 6, 1971, she married Eleno Barajas at St. Luke's Church in Gary. She was an excellent cook and dedicated her life to taking care of her family, whom she adored. Graciela was also a dedicated member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church. In her free time, she enjoyed going to the Casino, and playing cards and BINGO.

She is survived by her children, Ricardo (Michelle Randazzo) Barajas, Blanca Barajas, Carlos (Stacey) Barajas; grandchildren, Marisol (Dakota) Barajas-Thacker, Juliana Barajas, Gabriel Barajas; great granddaughter, Elena Grace Thacker; brother, Pepe (Nachy) Canchola; sisters, Lupe (Jose) Barajas, Lucy (Luis) Del Toro, Blanca (Javier) Maya, Lety (Jose Luis) DeLaCerda, Chata (Jose Luis) Ramirez.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eleno Barajas in 2003; her parents, Alfonso and Nieves Canchola; brother, Javier Canchola; and sister, Mary Lopez.

Visitation for Graciela will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. A funeral service will take place Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 10:00 am at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.