Mary Lou Morales Padilla

Mary Lou Padilla, 91 of Silver City, NM entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, July 12 at Fort Bayard Medical Center surrounded by her loving husband of 72 years and her beloved family.

Mary Lou was born on November 23, 1932, to Luis and Lenore Morales in Mogollon, NM. She had 6 brothers (Rudolpho Marin, Luis Morales, Henry Morales, Albert Morales, Arturo Morales, Ramon Morales) and 4 sisters (Viola Herrera, Tina Peru, Irene Padilla, Reina Rios) whom she loved and cherished with all her heart. Mary Lou married the love of her life Claudio Padilla on June 24, 1951. The two had five children. Three daughters, Ruth Aguilar (Eddie), Diane Ortiz (Gilbert Ortiz), and Toni Padilla. They also had two sons, Manuel Padilla and Claudio (Junie) Padilla. She also had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great- great grandchildren. She retired from the Copper Manor hotel after 30 years on the job as the Head-Maid Supervisor where she took pride in her work.

Mary Lou was the heart and soul of her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandma. Often when visiting her home, you would find her in the kitchen making her famous tortillas, cooking menudo and the best beans in town. All who visited were welcomed with a warm smile and open arms, a hot meal, a cup of coffee, and great conversation. She was a woman of God who believed in the power of prayer. Listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her family were cherished pastimes for her. She loved going on spontaneous road trips with her husband to visit family in California.  Mary Lou leaves an example of beauty for all. She was a true role model for her family to follow in her footsteps, to love, to be kind, and always be united in God’s love.

There will be celebration of life services at Baca’s Funeral Chapels in Silver City on Friday, July 26, 2024, with a viewing at 1:30 PM and a Recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 2:30 PM. A Prayer Vigil will take place immediately thereafter. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will follow the services and inurnment will take place at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and the rest of her beloved family.

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