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Susie Garcia Padilla, 93, passed away peacefully in her home on January 23, 2026. She was born on May 6,1932, to Sisto and Teresa Garcia in La Luz, New Mexico where she grew up.
After graduating from Alamogordo High School, Susie married Bennie Chavez Padilla on November 25, 1950. They eventually moved to Tularosa, New Mexico where together they raised their family.
Susie was a devoted and exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her life was deeply rooted in faith and family. In addition to raising her family, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, playing bingo, computer games, and was an amazing cook. She also loved music and dancing. She had an overflowing love for her family and always looked forward to family gatherings.
Susie was a member of the of the St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church. She volunteered her time and talent, unselfishly, in support of the church and Catholic school for many years. She and Bennie served as Mayordomos for the St. Francis De Paula Church fiesta and Santo Nino Chapel in Three Rivers. She also belonged to the Altar Rosary Society and Eucharistic Adoration. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, resilience, and deep Catholic faith, something she instilled in her family.
Susie is preceded in death by her parents, Sisto and Teresa Garcia; her husband, Bennie; brothers; Henry, Sisto Jr., Joe, Pete, and Angel; sisters, Addie Salazar and Lala Gutierrez.
Susie is survived by her children, Joe (Yvonne) Padilla and family, Gloria Padilla, Diane (Troy) Gardner, and Virginia "Jean" (Steve) Zagar; grandchildren, Sherrie Padilla (Pablo), Brandon (Raquel) Padilla, Ryan Gardner, Colton Gardner, Blair (Eric) Wright and children, Stephanie (Blaine) Zagar and children; great grandchildren, Kassandra Morin, Garrick Utah Morin Jr, Antonio Padilla, Baylee Gardner, Alana Gomez, Eleanor Gardner; great-great grandchildren, Dominique Morales, Abri'Anna Morales, K'lee Anna Morin, Isaiah Morin; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Susie Garcia Padilla will be held at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Burial will follow Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery with a reception to follow. Everyone is welcome.
Pallbearers include Brandon Padilla, Ryan Gardner, Colton Gardner, Garrick Utah Morin Jr., Troy Gardner, Steve Zagar, and Pablo Mendez.
