Ernestina C. (Montoya) Padilla

2023

Ernestina C. (Montoya) Padilla, 79, passed away peacefully in her home, September 9, 2023 morning due to a long battle of dementia and lung cancer.

She was born and raised in Magdalena, the daughter of Diego and Maria (Salas) Montoya. Tina raised her five children with her first love James S. Gallegos until his passing.

She worked for Presbyterian hospital for many years. She crocheted countless blankets and matching hats for newborn babies born at the hospital as a gift. She enjoyed woodworking, gardening, puzzles, crocheting, and many other crafts. Tina loved dancing to everything from rancheras to old westerns. This was evident in her extensive music collection. She spent many happy years hunting, fishing, and golfing with her husband Louie at the New Mexico Tech golf course.

The smell of freshly cooked meals was ever present in her home, as she loved feeding her family, friends, and neighbors.

Later, after the passing of her late husband Johnny Maxwell would always take time to visit every Saturday morning. She always looked forward to his arrival. They told each other lies, drank coffee and smoked cigarettes. Even in her final days her sense of humor was unyielding, and she never missed an opportunity to make people laugh. She will forever be missed.

Preceded In Death-Parents Diego & Maria (Salas) Montoya, Husband, first Love, James S Gallegos and second Love, Louie Padilla. Grandson Albert Gallegos. Brother & Sister-in-law, Richard & Dorothy Montoya, Brother Manuel Montoya, Sister Delia Montoya, Brother-in-law Jr Avalos

She is survived by her children (& their spouses) Theresa Gallegos, James (Amanda), Phillip (Janell), Frank (Senta) Gallegos, Andrew (Ryan) Strong, Damian (Rachel), Deanne Padilla.

Grandchildren Danielle, Corey, Kaylie, Kasie, Frank Jr. (Catlin), Bo, Aiyana Gallegos, Jordon, Bethany, Rebecca, Darien Padilla.

Great Grandchildren Xavier, Coria, Franklin, Kaiden Gallegos and many, many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Siblings & (their spouses) Chris (Cecilia), Nick (Rose), Emilio (Emma), Viola Montoya, Annie Avalos

Ernestina will be cremated, and her ashes will be spread by the immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held September 23 , 12pm at the Backwards Walking G Farm 96 Chunky Rd, Luis Lopez, NM. We will fellowship together over lunch. If you would like to attend it would be most appreciated if you would bring a small-sized dish.

A special thank you to Jan Keenly who spent many patient hours entertaining and caring for Tina when Janell & Phillip were farming.

We also would like to recognize Tina’s whole neighborhood in San Antonio. They were all very caring and watchful over Tina later in life. We, the family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

El Defensor Chieftain