June 27, 1944 — January 7, 2023
Martha Ruth Padilla died Saturday, January 7, 2023, at her home in El Paso, Texas. She was born June 27, 1944, in El Paso to Ruth Arellano who raised Martha until she was 5 years-old. After tuberculosis took her mom, Martha was raised by her grandmother, Rita Reyes Arellano and her grandfather Samuel Arellano. Rita and Samuel had been parents to eleven children who then became Martha’s brothers and sisters. She flourished as a child and a young adult, graduating with honors from El Paso High School Class of 1962. Martha kept the Tigers pride alive with frequent reunions and friendships that spanned decades.
Martha was one of the smartest people you’d ever meet, working until the age of 75 and spending the majority of her career involved in international water rights and criminal litigation. She completed her paralegal certification at the University of Texas at El Paso in 1989. She had an esteemed career in law spanning 40+ years.
Martha was a mother to Robert David Padilla of El Paso and Ruth Padilla Portacci (Michael) of Nashville, TN. Martha was married to Armando Padilla for 58 years. A cherished, loving mother she is survived by her brother Carlos Arellano (Cristina), and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, great grand-nephews, and great grand-nieces. She is preceded in death by her ten siblings, her mother and grandparents.
Martha was the light in the room and incredibly funny. A devout Christian, Martha attended Divino Salvador Presbyterian Church in South El Paso. Later, she attended University Presbyterian Church in West El Paso.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 20, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912.
In lieu of flowers, Martha was an animal rescuer, and the family would ask that donations be made to the El Paso Humane Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Padilla family.
