Rose Padilla

Rose Padilla, age 93, of Topeka, KS, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Midland Hospice House.

She was born the daughter of Gregorio and Feliza (Acosta) Trujillo on January 24, 1930, in Winifred, KS. Rose was able to enjoy a rural country upbringing where she graduated from Frankfort High School in Frankfort, KS. After graduating, she made her way to Topeka to attend Topeka Business College. While in school, Rose met and fell in love with Miguel C. Padilla. On September 21, 1948, the two married in Westmoreland, KS, and made Topeka their home.

Rose was a longtime bookkeeper/administrative assistant for Dr. Lentz & Dr. Weber’s doctors’ office. She then worked for the State of Kansas in the Attorney General’s Office from September 1984 until March of 1990. She finished her working career and retired on March 1, 1995.

When she settled in Topeka with her family, Rose became a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Her faith and obligations to the church were very important to her as she was a volunteer for Fiesta Mexicana. Rose was a former member of Daughter’s of Isabella-Little Flower Circle #503, Altar Society, L.U.L.A.C., MANA de Topeka, VA Stroke Support Group and was a member of a support group for widows.

She enjoyed crocheting, reading, eating with friends, flower gardening and painting. Spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her the greatest joy. She will be deeply missed but her memories will always bring comfort.  

Survivors include her three beloved sons, Michael A. Padilla and his wife Veronica “Ronnie,” Daniel L. Padilla and his wife Karla, and David A. Padilla all of Topeka. Other survivors include 13 grandchildren, Brian Padilla, Janice Padilla Eliot, Corey Padilla, Roxanne Nielsen, Angela Slatten, Nathan Padilla, Alexis Padilla, Megan Padilla, Alyssa Padilla, Damian Padilla, Lucero Padilla, Laurel Padilla, and Isabel Padilla; as well as three great-granddaughters and 18 great-grandsons.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 63 years, Miguel C. Padilla (2012); two sons, Ignacio “Bobby” Padilla, James Arthur “Jimmy” Padilla, Billie, daughter in law, three brothers, John, Maurice, and Mike Trujillo; four sisters, Antonia Gonzalez, Josephine Savedra, Julia Perez, and Irene Negrete.

She will lie in state on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., with an Altar Society lead rosary at 5:30 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 10:30 A.M., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Rose’s memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and/or Midland Care Hospice. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Rose’s memorial webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.