OBITUARY: Gilbert Padilla Tso

Gilbert Padilla Tso, 64, a long time resident of Galatia, passed away in his home after a long battle with cancer at 10:25 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Gilbert was born on March 10, 1950, to Johnson Padilla Tso and Betty (Juan) Tso in Lake Valley, N.M. He was born into the Bit'ahnii (Folded Arms People), born for Tó'aheedlinii (Water Flows Together Clan). His nali is Nihoobáanii (Gray Streak Ends Clan) and his chei is Tsé Nahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People).

Gilbert was always a hard worker and a good provider for his family. After he graduated from Grants High School, he held several jobs but spent the majority of his work life as a coal miner and miner operator where he was known as "Gilly." On Dec. 31, 1972, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Rebecca Charley of Mariano Lake, N.M. He is best known for his sense of humor, his laugh, his love of horses, and the beautiful traditional jewelry he made. He was also the best grandfather in the world.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Marcus Padilla (Maridy Childs) Tso and their daughters Skai and Seneca; a daughter, Debbie (Joe Keith, Jr.) Roberts and their children, Keyah, Justus, Kiana, Joshua and Joe Keith III; his parents-in-law, Herbert and Maybelle Charley; two brothers, Edison and Nelson; four sisters, Edith, Esther, Rita and Margaret.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother who raised him, Mary Juan; both of his parents; his daughter, Rachel Ann Tso; two infant siblings, his brother, Cecil Padilla Tso; and his sister, Etta Padilla Tso.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Little Chapel Church in Harrisburg. Jeff Rush will officiate. Burial will follow in Rhine Cemetery in Raleigh. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Little Chapel Church in Harrisburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to offset medical expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.