Ernestine Padilla

Ernestine (Tina) Padilla was born on November 4, 1930 in Questa New Mexico to Adonaisa and Enrique Rael. She was received in heaven to be with our Lord on May 19, 2026. 

On January 6, 1950, Tina married the love of her life, Tony R. Padilla, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. 

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Enrique and Adonaisa Rael; her devoted husband, Tony R. Padilla; her brothers Aaron (Ruth), Melecio, Fredolin (Cecilia), Ricardo (Olivia), and Vito (Eloisa); and her sisters Euralia Torres (Donaciano), Delia Gonzales (Fred), and Margaret Cummings (Leo); sisters-in-law, Rebecca Valdez (†Edwardo) and Marcella Sandoval (†Gilbert). 

She is survived by her loving children: Monica Ortega (Max), Henry Padilla (Becky), and Natalie Shaver (Larry). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Mark Ortega (Kami), John Ortega (Maggie), Antonise Trujillo (Derek), and Jose Padilla. 

Tina’s greatest joy was her family, especially her beloved great-grandsons Bradley Bo Ortega, Mateo Trujillo, and Cruz Trujillo, who brought endless happiness to her life. 

She is also survived by her sister, Grace Martinez (†Don), along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. 

Tina lived a life of service, kindness, and dedication to her community. She was a proud Guadalupana and a member of the Home Extension Club. Throughout her life, she wore many hats and touched many lives. She worked as a cook at A&W, served as a receptionist for Dr. Detter at the veterinary clinic, and helped as a bookkeeper at her husband Tony’s Exxon gas station. She also worked as a Teacher’s Aide in Taos Schools and later became a Foster Grandma in Taos, in an elementary school in Albuquerque, and at New Futures School for teen mothers and their babies. 

Tina will be remembered for her warm heart, strong faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she nurtured, supported, and inspired through the years. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 9:00am, Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00am held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church; Interment to follow at the Sierra Vista Cemetery.

The family of Ernestine (Tina) Padilla has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019