Rita O. Padilla, 88. Of Santa Fe, NM passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2011, surrounded by loving family members. She was born in Rowe, NM on February 20, 1923 to Merejildo Ortiz and Ramoncita Archuleta Ortiz and married David Padilla in 1944 in Las Vegas, NM.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband, David Padilla, son, Florentino R.Padilla, granddaughter, Tyonna Padilla, daughter-in-law, Dottie Babcock Padilla, sister and brother-in-law Dulcinea Encinias (Alfredo), brother and sister-in-law, Ambrosio Ortiz (Stella), and brother Gregorio Ortiz. She is survived by her daughter, Melba Ortiz (Larry), son, Herman Padilla (Dottie, deceased), granddaughters: Rita M. Padilla, Regina Padilla, Doreen Gallegos (Joe), grandson, David Padilla, sister-in-law, Paula Ortiz (Gregorio, deceased), daughter-in-law, Maryann Padilla, great granddaughters, Victoria, Martina, Briana and Jada, and 3 great great grandchildren.

Rita retired from the NM State Highway Dept in 1984 but will be remembered for her ability to work at many different jobs, cook the best red chile, and her devotion to her family and friends. Rita was a kind, generous person and the last of a family of nine from Rowe, NM with a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and other loving relatives and friends. Her eldest granddaughter, Rita M. Padilla, lived with her for the last 16 years and was a devoted companion, caregiver and “Angel of Mercy.”

A rosary was recited on June 15, 2011 at the Rosario Chapel. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on June16, 2011 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Interment followed at the Santa Fe Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers: David Padilla, Leroy Ortiz, Mel Gonzales, Gary Gonzales, Joe Gallegos, Larry Ortiz. Honorary Pallbearers: Tony Encinias, Barbara Flores, Denise Flores

In lieu of flowers, send any contributions to Carmelite Monastery, 49 Mt. Carmel Rd. The Padilla family has entrusted their loved one to:


The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options
417 East Rodeo Road ~ Santa Fe, NM 87505
santafefuneraloption.com
(505) 989-7032