PADILLA, Florence

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ June 26, 2008 Florence G. Padilla, 70, of Show Low died Friday, June 20, 2008, in Cave Creek. She was born June 24, 1937, in Winslow to Hipolito and Rose (Bachicha) Gonzales. She was raised and attended school in Winslow, graduating from Winslow High School in 1955. She then attended Lambson Business College in Phoenix. She married Bobby Padilla Oct. 10, 1958, in Winslow. They moved to Show Low in 1962 and worked as a secretary in several areas, including McNary Clinic, banking, post office, Forest Service and high school librarian. Later in life, she attended Northland Pioneer College and Northern Arizona University, receiving her teaching degree from NAU in 1998. She taught fifth grade at Cibecue until her retirement at age 65. She was involved with the community and was dedicated to others. She touched hundreds of people and helped improve their lives. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a devoted member of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Show Low. Survivors include her husband, Bobby; two daughters, Doreen (Daniel) Padilla of Show Low and Priscilla (Todd) Baird of Cave Creek; two sons, Anthony (Shannon) Padilla of Tucson and Robert (Cindy) Padilla of Chandler; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and four sisters. A rosary was recited Tuesday, June 24, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Show Low. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, June 25, at the church. Burial was at the Lakeside Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Black's Mortuary in Show Low.