- Date Of Birth: November 13, 1931
- Date Of Death: August 12, 2017
- State: New Mexico
Willie Padilla, 85, of North Hurley passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Las Cruces, NM surrounded by his family.
Willie was born on November 13, 1931, to Espiridion and Isabel (Chavela) Padilla in Hatch, NM. He was married to Lela Padilla, the love of his life for 62 years. Willie retired after working 34 years at Kennecott as a truck driver. Dad loved his family beyond words can say. He loved cooking for his family and his specialty was making chili Colorado, empanadas de beans and chile, galletas, and sopapillas. Willie loved spending time with his family, camping, hunting, fishing, going to La Lena (wood cutting), and making changitas (monkeys) out of peach pits. Dad was very well known at the lake. When he would go to the lake his favorite saying was “Everrryyybodddy” when he caught a fish. Willie was also known for his greeting by calling many people, “Ese Maro”. Our dad was the BEST husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend. Willie was a traditionalist, cook, musician, mechanic, welder, fisherman, pinon scouter, inventor, gardener, artist, storyteller, carpenter, and music composer. Our dad was a jack of all trades and a MASTER OF ALL. Willie will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Willie is survived by his wife, Lela; five children, Irene Rodriguez (Boyce), Patsy Apodaca (Rudy), Billy Padilla (Marta), Bertha Peru (Manuel), Speedy Padilla (Elle); sisters, Ernestina Chacon (Manny), Lilly Sandoval (Marcy) and Beda Saborio; 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mike and Leo Padilla; sisters, Anita Munoz and Josie Padilla; father-in-law, Jesus Sedillos, mother-in-law, Louisa Sedillos.
