MONTE VISTA — Longtime Monte Vista resident Mary Josephine Padilla, 90, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 20, 2019.

Mary was born on July 11, 1928 in Dixon, N.M. to Antonio and Benedisa Lovato.

In 1944, she married Gilbert Padilla in Taos, N.M. Mary was a wonderful cook whose fried chicken was second to none. When she wasn’t in the kitchen cooking, Mary was sewing and creating things with her hands. Mary loved to dance and plan parties for her family and friends. But, above all, spending time with her family and especially her dearly-loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren was most important. She will be remembered as a very charitable and loving person and will be forever sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Dave) Padilla of Colorado Springs, Fran (Tom) Herrera of Monte Vista, Gilbert (Elva) Padilla of Delta, Colo., Yvonne (Manuel) Martinez of Monte Vista and Joe (Randi) Martinez of Monte Vista; 12 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gilbert; her children, Sig Padilla, Roberta Padilla, Robert Anthony Padilla and twins Ida and Marie Padilla; her grandson, Sig Padilla, Jr.; her great-grandson, Mario Najera; sister, Pauline Santiesteven; brother-in-law, Dale Santiesteven; nephew, Rudy Santiesteven; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Bernie and Betty Padilla.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. A recitation of the Rosary at St. Joseph Catholic Church will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019. Burial will follow services in the San Luis Valley Cemetery.

Services are in the care of Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista. To leave an online condolence or words of strength for the family, please visit rogersfunerals.com.