Manuela "Nellie" Contreras Padilla

Manuela “Nellie/ Curty” Contreras Padilla passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, in Hagerman, New Mexico. Viewing will be at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home Sunday, September 10, 2017, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Monday, September 11, 2017, 10:00 AM, with burial to follow at South Park Cemetery. A tribute of Manuela’s life may be found at www.andersonbethany.com where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family. On February 14, 1948, Manuela “Nellie” was born to Pedro Contreras and Margarita Sanchez Contreras in Roswell, New Mexico. She married the love of her life, Juan Arzola Padilla on September 9, 1973, in Dexter, New Mexico. Housewife, mother and grandmother, Manuela lovingly devoted herself to her husband and family. The disagreements with her husband never kept them from loving each other and taking care of one another. She was a strong and straight forward person that always kept everyone in line. Manuela was very friendly and social; who made everyone feel welcomed. She had the gift of the gab, a vibrant smile with an engaging personality and was a jokester with a great sense of humor. Manuela was happiest when spending time with her children and grandchildren. Manuela’s most treasured memories were the time she spent spoiling her grandkids. “Mom spoiled them so much, they came back home spoiled,” she loved them more than life itself. Manuela’s tamales were the best of many delicious foods her family has ever had. She enjoyed knitting and sewing, but also had interest in word search puzzles and playing with her tablet. Manuela loved watching her novelas and cowboy movies, preferably “Walker.” Gardening and tending to her plants was another of her favorites. Manuela will be greatly missed, and the memories she made with her family will forever remain in their hearts. Those left to cherish Manuela’s memory are her husband of forty-three years, Juan Arzola Padilla; son, Joe Contreras, daughters: Margaret Solis, Margarita Arzola Reyes; special grandchildren: Dariana (Jared) Acosta, Marco A. Solis, Isaias M. Solis (Chito) that she helped raise; Esmeralda Solis, Estefania (Angel) Solis, Albert Perez, Marissa Peralta, Antoinette Peralta, Sonny Ray Contreras Jr, Loretta Grado, Rodolfo Herrera, Magaly Herrera, plus five more; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Ramon Sanchez and wife, Mary Sanchez, several nephews and nieces; and precious pet; Niki. Preceding Manuela in death are her sons: Johnny Joe Contreras and Sonny Ray Contreras; parents: Pedro Contreras and Margarita Sanchez Contreras; brothers: Gomecindo (Gomez) Contreras, Catalino (Cait) Contreras, Pedro (Paile) Contreras, Juan Corrales, Merejildo (Mere) Contreras; sisters: Daria Contreras Martinez, Aurora (Goya) Contreras, Mary Contreras Seward; numerous nephews and nieces; and beloved pet, Feo. Those chosen as Honorary Pallbearers are: Marco A. Solis, Isaias M. Solis (Chito), Albert Perez, and all grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be: Isaias Solis, Angel Medina, Jared Acosta, De’Angelo Lucero, Milo Silvas, Dean Maleski, Anthony Hernandez and Sebastian Segura.

Manuela "Nellie" Contreras Padilla

February 14, 1948 - September 6, 2017