Tributes

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Barbara Christine “Chris” Blastock-Padilla Barbara Christine Blastock-Padilla, lovingly known as Chris and affectionately nicknamed “No-No” by her family, passed away peacefully at her home in Clovis, California, on November 5, 2025, at the age of 72. Chris was born on September 27, 1953, in Filer, Idaho, to Robert and Georgia Blastock. She grew up on the family farm alongside her siblings Carla, Greg, Camille, and Robert Jr. Her love for horses began early, and she was an active member of the Filer Riding Club, later earning the title of Rodeo Queen. Education was a lifelong passion for Chris. She attended several universities and ultimately earned a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education. Her dedication to teaching spanned 36 years, the majority of which she spent at Hoover High School in Fresno Unified School District. During her distinguished career, she made a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, building bonds that extended far beyond the classroom. She also became a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor, sharing her love of horses with students with special needs. After many years of teaching, Chris continued to find joy and purpose in retirement by working at ICee Fashion, where she loved connecting with people and bringing her signature warmth, humor, and style to everyone she met. Chris’s faith was a constant guiding light. A devoted Catholic, she was a longtime member of St. Therese Catholic Church and remained deeply committed to prayer throughout her life. She was honored to serve as a sign language interpreter during a visit from Pope John Paul II, an experience she held close to her heart. Even when she was no longer able to attend Mass in person, she prayed the Rosary daily and lived her faith with grace and humility. On November 20, 2010, after a long and loving courtship, Chris married the love of her life, Joe M. Padilla, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fresno. Joe was truly her rock—her devoted partner and caretaker who loved her unconditionally and cared for her personally through her most difficult times. Their love was steadfast, rooted in faith, laughter, and mutual devotion. Known for her kind heart, creativity, and sense of humor, Chris had a special gift for making others feel loved. After moving to Fresno many years ago to be near her sister Carla, she remained deeply connected to her family and cherished every moment spent with them. She delighted in creating clever nicknames for her ten nieces and nephews—and more than twenty-five great-nieces and nephews—each of whom held a special place in her heart. To them, she was “No-No,” their fun, adventurous, and endlessly supportive aunt who made everyone feel seen, special, and loved. Chris loved to travel and explore the world with Joe. Together, they visited over 30 states, Canada, Mexico, and even enjoyed a river cruise along the Danube through Europe. She especially cherished visiting her sister Camille—whether in North Carolina or back in their hometown of Filer. Her hobbies included reading, doing puzzles, and creative lettering, but her greatest joy was time spent with family, friends, and her beloved husband. Chris had a natural gift for fellowship and cherished the bond she shared with her friends. She loved keeping everyone connected through shared meals, birthdays, and moments of simple joy that celebrated the blessings of friendship. Her warmth, humor, and compassion brought light to their gatherings and created memories that will be treasured by all who knew her. Chris will be remembered as loving, passionate, exuberant, and ready for every new adventure. She lived by her favorite quote from Mark Twain: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Chris truly found her “why” in teaching, loving, and serving others. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2590 E. North Ave. (off Bethel Ave.) in Sanger. • Visitation: 9:00 AM • Rosary: 9:30 AM • Mass: 10:00 AM Officiated by Father John Bruno. Interment will follow at Sanger Cemetery. A luncheon reception will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno at https://ccdof.org/. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospice nurses and aides who cared for Chris with such tenderness, and to her devoted circle of educator retirees, who surrounded her with love and friendship until the very end. Chris’s life was a blessing to all who knew her—her faith, kindness, and joyful spirit will live on in every heart she touched.

Tributes

Barbara Christine "Chris" Blastock-Padilla

September 27, 1953 - November 5, 2025