Elida Padilla

Elida Padilla passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, surrounded by her loving family just a month before her 85th birthday. She had lived in Moses Lake over 50 years. Elida was born in Mercedes, Texas on March 20, 1931 to Enrique and Angelita Longoria (both deceased). She had four siblings; Delia Pena (deceased) of Leander, Texas, Oscar Longoria of Kennewick, Henry Longoria of Moses Lake and Herminia Hernandez of Pasco. Elida moved to Sunnyside in the early 1940s with two of her siblings. There she met and married Jesse Padilla. She later moved to Moses Lake with her 13 children where she attained her GED and took nursing classes while holding down two jobs at the same time and raising her family. She later went to work in the bakery at Buttrey’s Foods where she became known to many as the lady who gave cookies to the children. After working more than 20 years at Buttrey’s Foods, she was able to retire. Elida was an excellent cook and was popular with many neighborhood youth who congregated around her home at dinner time. Elida also enjoyed crocheting, embroidery and visiting with her extended family.