1940 ~ 2022
It is with a heavy heart we had to say goodbye to the strongest, fearless, companionate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. We know she was embraced by the Lord the moment she arrived home.
Erma was born August 16, 1940, in Madrid, New Mexico. She is the daughter of Grace Nieto Padilla. She is the sister of Mary Morland, Evelyn Tonge, Katie Gonzales, Nellie Regalado, Vivian Padilla and George Padilla.
Erma met the love of her life Ubaldo Walter Avila at a dance at the Centro Civico in Salt Lake City. Her beauty caught his eye and there was no turning back. Soon after on June 28, 1959, in Elko, Nevada she became Mrs. Erma Avila, and they spent the next 62 years together building a beautiful family.
Erma Avila was a strong and fierce woman who loved nothing more than watching her family shine. She never missed an important event when it involved her family, whether it was a baptism, communion, quince, sporting event or graduation. Some people always say “I love you,” but she always proved it. She was durable and straightforward, but she would never let the people she loved leave without a warm embrace and a smile. Her children admired her for her strength and willingness to be the rock of the family no matter the situation; she carried her family forward until her last breath. She was a true example of unconditional love.
Erma is survived by her husband, Ubaldo Walter Avila, children, Richard Avila, Tony Avila, Molly Gonzales, Arthur Avila, Corina (Arthur) Vierra, Frank (Lisa) Avila, Orlando (Belen) Avila and Rachel Avila; grandchildren, Elisabeth, Angel, Adriana, Anthony, Arlene, Heron, Lil Molly, Michael, Andrew, Lil Arthur, Lance, Shayla, Landon, Angelia, Yvonne, Marissa (Anthony), Felicia, Lil Frankie, Lil Orlando (Tana), Deonno, Diego; great-grandchildren, James, Mariana, Tatiana, Cymry, Bradley, Brynlee, Camden, McKenna, Grayson, Chloe, Kora, Parker, Hunter, Gabriel, Ariana, Jayden, Alleysaya, Naielli, Nevaeh, Jordon, Ryder, Lucas, Syli, Lillianna, Mauricio; great-great- grandchild, Gabriel. She was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Erma is preceded in death by her mother, Grace Padilla, (Nino) Ignacio Pena, sisters, Katie Gonzales, Nellie Regalado, brothers, Vivian Padilla & George Padilla, grandchildren, Ricky Avila, Derick Avila and Annie Grace.
A funeral Mass was celebrated April 21 at St. Ann Catholic Church. A committal service will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
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