Obituary: June Linda Sanderson Padilla

June Linda Sanderson Padilla of Santa Maria, Ca, passed away on January 26, 2024 in Seattle, WA surrounded by loving family. June leaves behind her three loving daughters Kathryn (& James) of Troy, OH, Tasha of Martinez, CA, and Jennifer (& Chris) of Seattle, WA. Also surviving are her two siblings Diana of Colorado Springs, CO and her brother Jack (& Linda) of Cascade, MT; her brother-in-law, Steve (& Chandra) Fey of Stevensville, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceding her death are her husband of 45 years, John Kenneth (Ken) Padilla, her mother Helen Marie Colbenson Sanderson, her father Gherald (Gary) Jack Sanderson, her half-sister, Sue Ann Sanderson Fey, and her nephews, Brian Gary Sanderson and Mitchell Gary Hoodenpyle Fey.

June was born in Great Falls, MT and grew up in Cascade, MT. After high school she moved to New Mexico, where she met her husband, Ken. Together, they moved around the country experiencing new places, new cultures and making new friends. They settled in Santa Maria, CA in 1984 and created a home base from which they experienced the world. From watching turtles in the Galapagos, to volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay, CA, her love of nature and conservation was paramount. June's love for animals began as a child and she passed that love on to her children. The home was always filled with animals, even her garden was a sanctuary for critters large and small. June believed and embraced the message of love, forgiveness, and compassion. Her bright smile and positive outlook even landed her a brief cameo in the film The Stone Boy starring Robert DuVall! Her family and friends will attest to the fact that she enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. From weekends away with her children and coffee with her dear friends to exotic trips around the world, June was always ready for new adventures.

Celebrations of her life will be held in multiple locations (TBD) so those who loved her can be together no matter their ability to travel.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity in her name.

Two of June's favorites are her niece's rescue in Utah called All Paws Count (www.uvar.us – formerly Utah Valley Animal Rescue) and The Marine Mammal Center (www.marinemammalcenter.org).