Josephine Padilla Herrera

My beloved Mom, aka "Auntie Josie," Josephine Padilla Herrera passed away at age 98 and 5 months. Josie passed away peacefully the morning of August 12, 2023 after briefly living in Ontario, under the constant care by her son, Ernest ("Ernie") S. Herrera, assisted by her Grandson, Jerry P. Herrera and daughter-in-law, Kathy G. Herrera.

The eldest daughter of Lazaro and Ramona ("Moni") Apodaca Padilla, Josie was born in Socorro, TX in 1925 and raised by her beloved grandmother, Refugio Apodaca Padilla. Grandfather, Eugenio Apodaca.

Josie is survived by her daughter, Roberta J. Wheeler, son Ernest S. Herrera, grandsons, Jerry P. Herrera, Adam C. Wheeler, granddaughter, Vanessa J. Womax, great-granddaughters, Alyssa M. Wheeler, Chloe J. Wheeler, Sophia J. Womax, her dearly beloved sister, Nellie Esquibel. Countless nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and a great-great nephew who visited her and whom she dearly loved and recognized in her final days.

Josie was the eldest of ten siblings, seven who have predeceased her. Her beloved Infant brother, "Luisito" Padilla, brother, Mike Padilla, sister, Terry Martinez, of El Paso, TX., sisters Esther Delgado of Santa Fe Springs, Eva Santos, of El Monte, Irene Reynosa of Moreno Valley and younger brother, Xavier ("Pelon") Frank Padilla of Mira Loma. Beloved nieces and nephews who have also welcomed her home are Bertha Martinez Hernandez, "Landy" Martinez, Orlandito Martinez, Janae Martinez, of El Paso, TX, Kenny Santos and Denise Lorenzo of California.

As a young lady, she moved from El Paso, TX to Los Angeles, CA where she met and married Manuel L. Herrera who predeceased her in 2011. Josie was a homemaker for many years, until she relocated to the Upper Desert in 1999. Beginning on April 6th, she lived in Ontario where she was cared for by Ernie, Kathy and Jerry Herrera, where she fought a good fight and maintained a sense of humor as we sat outside watching and awaiting our fig tree to ripen.

Josie passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of August 12, 2023 and was welcomed to her heavenly home by her beloved relatives and the countless dogs and cats she rescued over many years. We are CERTAIN they are all celebrating her arrival with open and loving arms and paws...

RIP Mom! You will forever be in our minds and hearts whenever we see an abandoned dog or cat and our heart-strings tug at us forever in your memory. Your compassion was incomparable to all who knew you.

All my love, Ernie...

Draper Mortuary extends our deepest condolences to the Herrera family, friends, and to all who knew her, during this difficult time. Josephine will be greatly missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Draper-Mortuary.com for the Herrera family.