Ross M. Padilla

Ross M. Padilla, born January 1, 1946, in Santa Cruz NM, to Joe and Louisa Padilla.

Ross is preceded in death by his son Lonny Eric Padilla and granddaughter Heather Victoria Martinez. He is also preceded in death by his parent’s Joe and Louisa Padilla. His father and mother-in-law’s, Philiberto and Anita Trejo and brother-in-law, Delio Archuleta. Four brothers, Leonard, Ricky, Eddie, and Ronnie Padilla. 2 sisters, Lourdes Maestas and Donna Abeyta, niece’s Audrey and Sherry Gonzales, Christine, nephew Joey and Kevin.

Ross is survived by his beloved wife, Victoria Padilla of 57 years. 3 daughters, Yolanda Martinez, spouse, Arthur Ocana, Rosita Lucero, spouse Movi Tafoya, Louisa Padilla fiancé Gene Jaramillo. 10 Granddaughters, Desiray Trujillo, whom Ross and Victoria raised as their daughter, spouse Devon Salazar, Alyssa and Lynette Lucero, Tiffany Trujillo, Amber Ocana, spouse Joseph Garcia, Ashley Martinez, husband Kevin Martinez, Lakresha Padilla, Alyanna Cuevas, and Kendra Salazar. 15 Great grandchildren; Cassandra, Josephine, JJ, Kenzie Louie, Evany, Quianna, Zianna, Precious, Domonique and Iesha, who live with Victoria currently, Larry, Ayden, Evangeline, and Sofia. Ross is also survived by his brother’s Nelson, Fabian, wife Kristine Padilla, brother-in-law Isaac Maestas, sisters, Bernie of Albuquerque, Edna and husband Reggie Salazar, Dolores Diaz, Mary and husband Teddy Romero, Manny and husband Jose, as well as many other relatives whom loved him dearly.

Ross was an amazing father, an amazing grandfather, and an amazing friend. Ross would meet people anywhere and he would talk to them as if he knew them forever. That’s just the type of person Ross was. Ross had a very special bond with every single one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ross loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, going for wood and loved making his own roads, or just BBQ in the mountains, lakes, or rivers. Every gathering was filled with lots of laughs, dancing and singing. Ross was blessed with an amazing singing voice as was his son Lonny, and passed it on to his grandchildren, Ashley, Lakresha, Quinna and Zianna. Ross was such a funny, friendly, humble, and caring person. He would give the shirt off his back and give you his food if you were hungry. He was also an amazing storyteller. Ross was a Diesel Mechanic while he was working for the Mines in Grants NM, where he then transitioned into a Minor. When Ross and his wife Victoria moved down from Grants, he became a semi truck driver and In the 80’s he bought his own truck and started working as an independent driver. Ross will be surly missed and loved by many people, especially his family!

A Rosary will be on Thursday May 18,2023 at 11:00am at the Sacred Heart Church in Espanola, NM. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12:00pm. Following will be the burial at the San Jose Cemetery in  Hernandez, NM. A reception will be announced at the time of service.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Arthur Ocana, Gene Jaramillo, Movi Tafoya, and Devin Salazar along with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family would like to give their sincere gratitude to the PMS hospice nurses Liliana and Chacha for thier comfort and help.

The family of Ross Padilla has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com  505-747-7477