Mildred "Millie" Catherine Padilla

Mildred “Millie” Padilla always did things her way, even until her passing. Millie was 72. She was born and raised in St. Johns, where she lived her entire life and also raised her family there. She passed away, continuing her life’s journey on silver wings with a Marine escort from her brother-in-law to join her husband, parents, child and grandson on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 in Show Low. Millie was an excellent typist and could type 85 wpm on the old antique underwood typewriters. Transitioning to electric was a challenge she quickly overcame. She was amazed with the speed she quickly acquired on an electric typewriter. She retired 10 years ago, after having a career as a postal clerk, secretary and administrative assistant. She worked for USPO, SRP, ADOT and FHA as well as volunteering for her church and community. Millie lived for her family, her entire family. Family was her first priority. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, an avid reader, puzzle decoder and made awesome use of duct tape. She was known by her grandkids as Bonga or Gram. Millie is survived by her daughters, Carmen (Robert) Tanner, St. Johns; Rae (James) Womack, St. Johns; sons, Raymond (Kristen) Padilla, Gilbert; Robert (Monica) Padilla, Casa Grande; stepchildren, Victor (Sandra) Padilla, Holbrook; Anselmo Padilla, Aberdeen, South Dakota; brothers, Nick Vallejos, St. Johns; Ismael Vallejos, Reserve, New Mexico; Robert Vallejos, St. Johns; Melcore Vallejos, Henderson, Nevada; George Vallejos, Flagstaff; sisters, Susan Varela, St. Johns; Kelly Vallejos, Holbrook; 28 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren. Millie was preceded in death by her spouse, Raymond B. Padilla, parents, Jose and Albina Vallejos, son, Joseph Vallejos, grandson, Raymond Padilla, brothers, Arseno, Gabriel, Cristoban, Ruben, Fernando, Floreno, Gilbert, sisters, Annamae Vallejos, Lisa Vallejos, and Vivian Garcia. Rosary will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass following at 10:00 a.m.at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Johns.