Antonia Otero

Antonia Toni Padilla Otero was at home with her family when she peacefully went to be with her Lord Savior on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 1:14 am. She was diagnosed with cancer August 2009. Antonia was the beloved wife of Herminio Herman Otero since September 19, 1942. They met in grade school when it was located at the current rodeo grounds on 5th Street in Capitan. Herman Toni were soon to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary. Their home is located at 521 Hwy 380 in Capitan.

Antonia, 84, was born September 21, 1925 in her parents adobe casa on Padilla Ranch with Tonita Chavez, midwife, assisting. Antonia was the daughter of Juan Zamora Padilla and Manuelita Carabajal Padilla. Her grandparents, Eduvijen and Antonita Padilla were the original ownershomesteaders of Padilla Ranch aka: Padilla Spring Ranch located in the southern foothills of the Capitan Mountains.

Herman Toni raised four daughters in Capitan. Gloria Esther Otero, owner of El Paisano Restaurant Barbara Ann Otero Sanchez, retired cosmetologist, and her husband Raymond S. Sanchez, retired from Village of Ruidoso Patricia Patty Jean Otero Kearns and her husband Kimble Lee Kearns, both Brokersowners of Lincoln County Realty and Kateri Marie Otero a sweet blessing who lived to age 8.

In addition to being survived by her husband her three daughters, Antonia is survived by 7 grandchildren their spouses: Michelle Phil Bob Borman, Michael Tabatha Flanagan, Wayne Eric Flanagan, Ronnie Sanchez, Kateri Norvel Carpenter, Ryan Wooddell, and Heather Bill Barclay and 15 greatgrandchildren.

In addition to Antonias daughter, Kateri, and her parents she was preceded in death by all of her siblings Eloy Padilla, Orlando Padilla, Ray Padilla, Joe Angel Padilla, and Lucille Baca.

On January 15, 1943, about four months after their wedding, Herman was drafted into the Air Force during WWII and was shipped off to Ft. Bliss, TX. Not being able to handle being separated from his precious bride, he smuggled her on a troop train when he was stationed in Mojave Desert Air Base aka: Edwards Air Base. They shared an adventure with military life for three years. Herman always made sure he had his lovely wife with him found places for her to live with families near the bases if she couldnt be on base. When stationed in the Mojave Desert, it took 8 months before the military family housing project was complete. A nearby family allowed them to build a shack some furniture out of scraps in their back yard where Herman Toni happily lived until the housing project was finished. Antonia found work at snack bars or shops on base.

After his military tour was complete, February 18, 1946, they returned to Capitan and had their first daughter on December 15, 1946. Herman supported his family by furnishing Capitan residents with their first water delivery and hauling away trash before the Village of Capitan was incorporated. Herman his father Jose Otero also began a firewood business that Herman Toni continue to this date as El Paisano Wood Yard Saw Shop. Toni and her Mother, Manuelita, were also entrepreneurs who originally opened Capitans own El Paisano Restaurant in 1959, which is still in existence and owned operated within the family.

In 1961, Herman Toni had their daughter, Kateri, who was challenged with cancer, blindness, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, couldnt walk. Their precious daughter passed in 1969. This special little lady brought so many blessings, joys richness to the lives of Herman Toni. It was during this time, with a yearning to help others with handicapped children Antonia was appointed chairman of March of Dimes for this area of New Mexico. Kateri Otero was a March of Dimes poster child.

Antonia was involved in many village state government organizations functions. She spent lots of her time with church school activities with her family. She held the office of president of Capitan PTA, worked as nurses aide at Fort Stantons Tuberculosis Hospital, and worked in the school cafeteria. She had been a member of the Catholic Church and taught catechism for many years.

Herman Antonia have been members of Christ Community Church in Capitan since 1985. Her prayer life and commitment to a Christian life were her cornerstones. She inspired her family with her love devotion and leaves a legacy of goodness, faith, compassion hope to her family all who knew her. Toni was is a light of faith and love for God. This beautiful lady showed her love in many ways. Antonia was a devoted wife and Mother who is appreciated, loved and cherished beyond words. Thinking about her fills our hearts with joy.

All are welcome to share in a Celebration of Her Life in the Traylor Gym at Capitan High School at 2:30 pm on Sunday, September 26, 2010, burial will follow at the Capitan Cemetery. There will be a reception gathering at Christ Community Church following the interment.