Ernestina Padilla Chacon

Ernestina Padilla Chacon, 90, a lifelong resident of Silver City, New Mexico, went to be with the Lord at her home in Deming, New Mexico.

Ernestina was a beloved mother, nana, grandmother, and auntie. Her favorite past time was listening to Tejano/Conjunto music on the radio. She loved to dance with her favorite partner, Manuel. She sang and played various instruments; piano, guitar, accordion, and violin. Ernestina was a professional cake decorator and was known for her craft in preparing the best homemade masa for tamales. Ernestina was a member of the Alter Society at St. Vincents DePaul Catholic Church in Silver City, Guadalupana’s at Santa Clara Catholic Church, and part of the Music Ministry, and the Rebekah Organization in Deming, NM. She was a reserved, and a very happy person and dearly loved by many. Known, as Annie in North Hurley, Ernie in Silver City and Tina by her caregivers, dear friends and favored by many nieces and nephews.

Ernestina, was born in Placitas, NM on September 20, 1935 and raised in N. Hurley where her father was employed with Kennecott Copper Mines. Her parents, Espiridion and Chavela Padilla built their first home in the Padilla Barrio in N. Hurley. Her father with an innovative business mind, and with the help of her brothers; Mike, Willie, and Leo, they built the Penjamo Nite Club, a popular dance saloon in the 50's and 60's. The 5 Padilla sisters also hosted guests during weddings, quincenearas, and dance events. The Padilla family had been blessed with music- influenced by their mother Chavela. 

Ernestina was second to the eldest of 8 siblings and the oldest and last surviving Padilla.   

She is survived by her children, Dina Madrid of Deming, NM, Ronnie (Reyes) Madrid of Buchanin Dam, TX and Richard (Tina) Madrid of Tucson, AZ; Multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Espiridion and Chavela Padilla; her husband, Manuel Chacon; a son, Robert Madrid Jr.; her two daughters, Betty Baer and Rose Soliz; 7 siblings; and a grandson, Steve Ray Soto.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 9:30am at Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Hurley, NM. The rite of committal and inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Manuel. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be all her grandchildren. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

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