Press Release
It was recently announced that Eligie Padilla will serve at the second grand marshal for the 2018 East Carbon Community Daze celebration.
Eligie Padilla was born in Lumberton, New Mexico in 1933. She is the oldest of eleven children born to Victor and Gregorita Herrera.
In 1943, her father, Victor, came to Dragerton to work in the mines. He first started working as he assisted in the construction of homes for the mining company. A year later, he entered the mine. In 1944, her father sent for the family to move to Utah. The family boarded a train in Chama, NM and rode the train to Price. They were picked up from the train station and headed to their new home on 6th West in Dragerton. Five of the Herrera siblings were born in Dragerton. Over the last 74 years, the home has always been owned by a Herrera family member.
Eligie completed her elementary and junior high education in Dragerton. For her high school education, she was bused to and attended Carbon High. She graduated in 1952.
Eligie was married to Claude Padilla. He retired from Kaiser Steel mine in 1983 after working over 44 years in the coal mining industry. He passed away in October of 1987. Eligie is the mother to three children: Robert, Lucille, and Duane. In addition, she is surrounded by a large family of siblings, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, stepchildren, and a community of friends.
Eligie has been an active and devout member of the Good Shepherd Catholic community. She has served in many ministries for the church. She assisted and also chaired the “bereavement committee” in preparing meals and assistance to families who lost loved ones. She did this for nearly 27 years. Over the years, she also assisted with putting on the bingo events, cleaning of the church, as well as cleaning of the rectory, and doing the laundry for several priests.
In 1995, Eligie was recognized with the award of “Woman of the year” for her contributions to Good Shepherd Parish. Eligie is a great example of faith, humbleness and love for family.
Over the years, many people in the East Carbon community remember her famous lemon merengue, coconut cream, and banana cream pies that she would make for the bowling alley. Also, her chili beans were a favorite.
She is known for her amazing “biscochitos” that many people would pay her to make for them. As a bit of history, Eligie won the prize for “best pie” for the first ever Community Daze celebration.
Eligie continues to be an active member of the East Carbon Community by attending city council meetings, having lunch at the senior citizen center, and sharing a cup of coffee with dear friends at Shepherd’s Café.
When asked what she likes about living in East Carbon, she replied: “I like to live in this community where I have lived for many years and have known most of the people. I like how people treat me and that I have close friends in the community.”